With the recent disappearance of the University of Virginia student, Hannah Graham, as well as the closer-to-home instances of sexual assault that have recently been reported on campus, the issue of safety, especially for us girls, is becoming a hot topic. While SMU has campus police and security patrolling around the clock, along with a campus emergency blue light system, it is important for us to do our best to avoid dangerous situations and prevent assault. Here are a few easy tips to help do so:
1. Get A Ride
One way to avoid walking home alone at night is to drive. If you don’t have your own car or aren’t able to park anywhere close on campus, get a ride. Ask your friends if they wouldn’t mind giving you a ride, and if that doesn’t work, use one of the following resources:
Giddy Up
Take advantage of SMU’s campus security escort service, which offers free rides anywhere on campus Monday-Sunday, from 7:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. For a ride, call 214-768-1111, or, if you see them on campus, you can flag them down.
Uber/Lyft
I will admit, Giddy Up can be difficult to get ahold of when they are busy, and if you live off campus or are studying past their hours of operation, Giddy Up may not be the best option. Instead, you can download the Uber or Lyft app and request that someone pick you up.
Now, I know in some situations, such as going from Fondren to the dorms, it may seem absurd to have to pay a taxi to take you home, but both services frequently offer promotions, especially for first time users. First time Uber users can use the code FIRSTTIME30 to get a $30 Uber Trip Credit (valid through 12/31/14). Lyft also offers tons of promos for free rides for new users, many of which can be found on Retailmenot.com.
SMU PD
If neither of the options above work for you, you can call SMU PD and they will give you a ride to wherever you need to go. However, be aware that this is not part of any amnesty program, so if you have been drinking, this may not be your best choice.
2. Use The Buddy System
We were first taught to use the buddy system way back in kindergarten, and the rules still haven’t changed. Traveling with others, especially when walking home at night, makes you less of an easy target. I say, the more, the merrier.
Also, if you have a smartphone, set up Find My Friends with all of your friends! This way, if something does happen, your friends can locate you more easily
3. Keep An Eye On Your Drink
I’m sure everyone heard this from someone at some point before coming to college, but it’s true! If you don’t know where your drink has been, you’re running the risk of having something slipped into your drink. In the long run, it’s so much more worth it to just get another drink than to risk the roofie.
On a similar note, be sure to watch your drink intake as well to ensure you stay in control and aware of your surroundings.
4. Know Your Facts
Many people believe that most sexual assaults happen at nighttime in parking garages. However, most assaults actually happen in the least suspecting places, like at a party or on a study date, by a male friend or acquaintance. While you shouldn’t be paranoid any time you hang out with your guy friends, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings anywhere you are and be aware of red flags such as acts of aggression or dominance.
It’s also important to know the meaning of consent. By law, a person cannot give consent if he or she is intoxicated when giving it, and even if he or she gives consent at one point, he or she has the right to change her mind. Only yes means yes.
5. Carry Pepper Spray
This one is so simple to do. Pepper spray can be purchased at any sporting store or online. They come in many colors, including bedazzled pink. While the brighter-colored and bedazzled canisters may seem to be a fashion statement, they’re also meant to alert others of what it is and scare off attackers. Make sure to stay alert, not staring at your phone screen, while walking to show that you are prepared to protect yourself if needed.
For more safety tips, visit: https://sites.smu.edu/dea/LiveResponsibly/assault-safety-tips.asp