As I’m sure you might have heard, there were several sexual assaults on campus last semester. This is an important issue at Carleton University, and it’s our goal to make sure that none of our readers are the next victims. Whether you’re walking back from the gym in the tunnels, or you’ve finished working a late shift and you’re waiting for the 10pm O-Train from Bayview to Carleton, your safety could be at risk.
With the days growing shorter and the nights getting longer this winter, here are a few easy tips that can increase your safety when you’re out and about on campus or in the city of Ottawa.
1. The Buddy System.
Although sometimes it’s unavoidable, try not to go out by yourself at night. If possible, bring a friend, study date, or even ask a co-worker to walk with you in those not-so-public places. You’re much less vulnerable to predators when you cruise in twos.
2. Have a trustworthy friend.
Having a trustworthy partner in crime can apply to all situations, however this is especially important when you’re under the influence. When you drink, you are much more vulnerable and generally much more trusting of people – you don’t want to get taken advantage of by someone you just met and assume is a ‘nice guy.’ Think when you drink!
3. Know your resources
Walking alone at night? No way! Carleton offers multiple services to prevent you from being all by yourself.
- The Working After Hours Program is available to all students working on campus from Monday to Friday 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and 24 hours service during the weekend. Save this number as a contact in your phone: 613-520-3612
- Foot Patrol: This student-run organization is a campus safe-walk patrol service that operates on weekdays during the fall and winter semesters at Carleton. If you’re out late from Monday to Friday, don’t hesitate to call Foot Patrol at 613-520-4066. It’s also a great opportunity to make a new friend!
4. Panic Pendant
One of Carleton University’s latest developments, this alarm worn as a pendant lets you trigger an emergency signal from inside any Carleton University building to the Safety Dispatch Office located in Roberston Hall. The signal detects your exact location, and a safety officer will be sent to you immediately. The pendant panic alarm is a free service to any student working late and alone in the library, lab or any other building on campus. To get your panic alarm today, contact your Departmental Administrator, and feel safe working at night on campus.
5. Check the bus schedules before you head out.
It’s always a good idea to know when and where you are going ahead of time. If you know you will be working late in Ottawa and will need public transportation to get back home, reduce your waiting time by planning ahead. The OC Transpo bus stops aren’t the best places to spend time alone, especially late at night.
Plan ahead using this website: http://www.octranspo1.com/travelplanner/travelplanner
6. Pay attention to your surroundings.
When you’re walking alone, try to keep your cell phone and headphone use at a minimum. Playing Angry Birds while walking home at night can leave you off guard and put you in harm’s way, from both sexual predators and speeding traffic.
7. Rape Aggression Defense System
This is a training program of realistic self-defense tactics for women. This course includes basic hands-on physical training, as well as more tips on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance for sexual assault. For more information on this course, visit this website:
http://www1.carleton.ca/university-safety/security-programs/the-rape-aggression-defense-system-course/
Products such as pepper spray and rape whistles can also come in handy in sticky situations, however it is also important that you don’t abuse them. Unfortunately, ‘Get Out of Jail Free Cards’ don’t exist in real life.
8. Cellphones
Try not to leave your residence building or house without bringing a fully-charged cell phone. When you’re travelling alone at Carleton or in Ottawa, try to keep your cell in an easy-to-reach place, such as your jacket pocket or a pouch in your purse. An emergency call will be much easier to make if you don’t have to spend minutes fumbling through your bags looking for your phone. The seconds you will save could make a big difference in a tough situation.
If you are inevitably in a traumatizing situation, call Carleton’s emergency assistance number: 613-520-4444 (It would be a good idea to keep this number as a contact in your phone so you don’t forget it) and if you’re off campus, dial 911.
9. Sexual Assault Support Services
If you have been a victim of assault, or are unsure if you are, the Carleton University Sexual Assault Support Services website provides a variety of numbers to call as well as answers to the confusing questions you may have. Also, the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa has a 24-hour support line to call at (613) 234-2266.
There is no fool-proof way to prevent sexual assault, and if it does happen to you, it is important to understand that it is not your fault, no matter what kind of precautions you may have taken. These tips are merely a guide to the resources available to help you Collegiettes stay safe both on and off campus.