An estimated 1 in 5 women is sexually assaulted while in college. Sexual assault, in all its forms, is a crime. No victim is to blame for what happened to him or her. However, these tips may help reduce the risk of experiencing sexual violence at school.
At parties
- Be aware of rape drugs. Do not leave your drink unattended. Only drink from unopened containers or from drinks you have watched being made and poured. Avoid group drinks like punch bowls. Cover your drink. It is easy to slip in a small pill even while you are holding your drink. If you feel extremely tired or drunk for no apparent reason, you may have been drugged. Find your friends and ask them to leave with you as soon as possible. If you suspect you have been drugged, go to a hospital and ask to be tested.
Keep track of how many drinks you’ve had. - Arrive and leave with a group of people you trust.
- Do not give out your address or phone number. If someone asks for your number, take his or her number instead of giving out yours.
Walking around campus
- Make sure your cell phone is easily accessible and fully charged. Be familiar with where emergency phones are installed on the campus. Be aware of open buildings where you can use a phone
- Take major, public paths rather than less populated shortcuts. Avoid dimly lit places and talk to campus services if lights need to be installed in an area.
- Avoid putting headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
- Walking back from the library very late at night is sometimes unavoidable, so try to walk with a friend.
- Carry a noisemaker like a whistle on your keychain. Carry a small flashlight on your keychain.
- If walking feels unsafe, call campus security. Many campuses offer safe ride programs.
In the dorm
- Always lock your door.
- Keep your window locked, especially if it is easy to enter from the ground or a fire escape.
- If people constantly prop open the main dorm door, talk to an authority about it.
- If your dorm has an elevator, try to stay near the button dashboard when are you riding in it so that you have easy access to the emergency button. If you feel threatened, you can push the button for the next floor and leave immediately instead of waiting for the elevator to reach the floor where you live.
- Avoid isolated areas such as stairways, laundry rooms and basements when you are alone.