The minute a notification pops up on our iPhone, iPad, iWhatever, with the subject “Timely Warning”, stomachs instantly drop and the reader begins to wonder, what has happened now? Thoughts like these are not so common for the average college student– especially when attending the University of Wisconsin Madison. With a total of 42,820, and over 21,624 staff, it’s hard to imagine crime occurring here and someone getting away with it. Yet, the crime rate in Madison seems to have skyrocketed with the start of the new school year. That’s why Her Campus has decided it to be in the best interest of all, if students knew how to handle themselves if ever in a potentially harmful situation.
Being robbed at gunpoint: According to WikiHow, if the robber wants your money, never retaliate. After all, what’s more important: your life, or your money? Wait to call 911 until the robber is at least 900 feet away and out of shooting range.
Being attacked from behind: If you can’t escape, make sure to go for the attacker’s eyes, ears, throat, groin, or nose to distract them while you run. It is also encouraged for students to take a self-defense class. The Chimera Self Defense Class runs specials for students and offers classes for just $20. Their studio is just ten minutes from campus and definitely worth the cost.
An attempt at sexual assault: The number one thing, is to never be alone. If you are alone, keep your cell phone in your front pocket for easy access. There are countless websites available to broaden your knowledge on harmful situations where sexual assault could occur. Above all, if a situation doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and leave.
As hard as it is to believe, each of these situations has occurred on campus in the last month alone. So what can you do to prevent being a part of situations such as these?
- Never, ever walk alone. Even if you’re coming back from the library just a block away, find someone to walk back with.
(Perhaps this will give you the chance you’ve been looking for to finally talk to the cute guy studying in the fiction section.)
- Carry some pepper spray, or stop in the PopDeluxe store on State Street to purchase a cute rape whistle! Clip it on to your key ring and worry about safety no more!
- Sign up for WiscAlerts. You’ll receive direct information from the campus police as crimes or safety issues arise on campus. You can choose to receive these via email or text message.
- With Madison being such a “runners” campus, run with your keys in your hands because they can be used as a weapon as necessary. Try to run with a friend, and never keep your music so loud that you are no longer aware of your surroundings.
(Or consider running close to a campus cutie, casually bumping into him while waiting for a red light and thus falling into his safe arms… safety first, ladies!)
- The University offers SAFE (Safe Arrival For Everyone) which is a nighttime walk service. This service allows students to study into the wee hours of the night at their favorite spot, without having to worry about getting home.
So the next time a WiscAlert shows itself, know that you have tools to protect you from whatever mayhem may be occurring around your campus.