This isn’t something we all really like to talk about- but sexual assault is a thing that happens a lot on college campuses. Since we have started school, there have been two sexual assault cases on the SMU Campus. Luckily, the school has been very active in their discussion of what happened. No one had to carry a mattress to get attention for their case. They emailed all of us the next day. We need to talk about being safe on campus. While it is never your fault if you are attacked, here are some things that you can do to feel more safe on campus. But first…
Rape Culture
An important thing to remember before we start talking about this is that rape is never your fault. If you are sexually assaulted, you are not to blame. It doesn’t matter if you were drunk, if you had a see through top on, or if you were alone with the guy in your room. It is not your fault if someone attacks you. We don’t blame victims of murder with “maybe you shouldn’t have looked so murder-able that day,” so it’s ridiculous that our society likes to blame ladies for their attackers being the literal worst. A woman will never be the blame for her assault. EVER.
This article is not to try to say “you can avoid your assault.” It is not to say that if you don’t do these things that you are at fault for being raped or assaulted. It’s just to help you feel safer.
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The Basics
We all know the obvious stuff. Don’t drink anything you didn’t pour yourself. Don’t drink anything that you looked away from even for a second. Watch out for your girlfriends. Stay away from guys giving off sketchy vibes. Report back to your girlfriends so they know you’re okay. Don’t go with a stranger to a second location. These things are all very little details, but very important to remember!
Use the Buddy System
This is very cliché but also very necessary. I don’t go out unless I have a girlfriend who I promise to stick with the whole night. This doesn’t mean you have to be tied together, but you check on each other. That way, if your homegirl has a guy all over her and she’s giving you the panic eyes, you sidle up in there and say “get off creep!” If your bud is thinking of bringing a guy back to her room, you check in and make sure that this is really what she wants. Make sure she’s not being coerced by some jerk who will take advantage of her. Ovaries before brovaries!
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When it’s late and you need to walk home…
See if you can have a buddy. If you and your girls are walking home, go in a group. Walk each other to your dorms. Time it so the girls left last are two who live in the same dorm.
If you don’t have buddies…
There is also a new app called Companion. This app lets you have friends “walk you” by sending them your progress as you walk. You put in your destination and notify your contacts so they can see you as you walk. If you set off a trigger, it’ll check in, and if you don’t respond, it will notify your buds you programmed. It’ll let you contact the police or one of your companions. Best part is it’s free safety!
You can take Giddy-Up, which is the SMU golf cart service. It generally runs until three in the morning and the number for it is 214-768-1111. SMU also has the blue emergency lights, which you can run to and hit the button if you need help.
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To defend yourself…
Remember that scene in Miss Congeniality where she teaches the self defense class as her talent? Aside from being a great moment in cinematic history, it has some great tips. Remember the acronym SING as to where you hit if you’re attacked. The sensitive areas are solar plexus (or stomach, or side), instep, nose, and groin. We also have the stabby things that you can use as a weapon, sold here. They look like a cartoon cat head. Surprisingly cute for something used to defend your life. When in doubt, use your keys and hold them in between your knuckles.
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For bad buddies…
A really scary statistic is that the majority of sexual assaults- 82 percent- are committed by people you know. You can never be too careful. If you have a friend who is pressuring you to do stuff with them, you can say no. If they make you uncomfortable, you are allowed to say you need some space. If your guy friend is too close to you, you can move away. You don’t owe him sex just because he was nice to you that night. Even if you are besties, if they attack you, rape is rape. Try and get out of there, and it is okay to call someone if you need help.
If you are attacked…
Call 911. You can report sexual assault to SMU police at 214-768-3333. Get medical help immediately. The Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas has a nurse who cares for sexual assault, at the number 214-345-6203. You should file a police report and get it investigated right away. You can get counseling services in the Health Center. Remember that this is not your fault. You are not alone, and there are people here to help you.
There is no shame in seeking justice for a sexual assault. Stay safe on the Hilltop, collegiettes!
SMU Getting Help In Case Of Sexual Assault | SMU Sexual Misconduct and Procedures
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