Image via Safe Girl Security Blog
In the past year campus sexual assault has received significant media attention. This has brought much-needed awareness to the problem, prompting the White House to create the “It’s On Us” campaign and for California to pass a law that requires all colleges in California that receive state funding to adopt an affirmative consent standard in their sexual assault policy.
Sexual assault, or assault of any kind, is not the fault of the victim. Nor should the responsibility to stay safe be placed on the victim. In an ideal world, we would all abide by these concepts, but we do not live in a perfect world and violence and crime are not new phenomena. This is not to say that our society should not work to educate men about sexual consent, which is an extremely important part of ending sexual assaults on campus, but it will never end it completely. When students leave college, sexual assault, violence and theft will not stop. Women and men need to be aware and prepared to protect themselves against any kind of ill intent. To not take measures to protect yourself out of principal is a dangerous philosophy. Protecting yourself does not take any responsibility off the attacker, it will only help you.
If you are interested in taking preemptive safety measures, consider the following precautions.
Escort Programs:
If you have a late class or work late try and find an escort to walk you to your car. Most colleges will allow for you to arrange for one if you do not have a friend to walk with you.
Self Defense:
Try carrying pepper spray or mace, just having it visible in your hand is a known deterrent. You can attach pepper spray to your keychain, add a whistle also. Consider taking a self-defense class as many college campuses offer these.
Cut Distractions:
Be aware of your surroundings and nix any distractions such as texting or listening to music. However, your phone can be used as a safety precaution. Send a quick text to a loved one when you are walking to your location and when you arrive, or download SafeTrek, a $2 smartphone application compatible with Apple and Android. It acts as a panic button you can hold until you are safe. If you are attacked simply release your finger off the panic button and emergency responders will be immediately dispatched to your exact location.
Trust Your Instincts:
Most importantly, trust your instincts. Humans are the only animals on earth who rationalize against their survival instincts in order to be polite. If a situation makes you uncomfortable, leave. It is also important to be an active bystander. If you see someone in danger, call 911.