Feeling Threatened
Trusting your intuition is the key to staying safe.
Get help right away when you're feeling threatened.
Hate/Bias-Related Incidents -- If someone threatens you based on your race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, get help right away. You don't have to put up with fear and intimidation tactics.
Obscene Calls -- Don't engage an unknown caller in conversation or give away any personal details. Keep track of when calls are made and what is said. Save answering machine messages, too. Then, turn this information over to University Police right away to help them track your caller.
Stalkers -- If someone is following you, report it to University Police immediately. A restraining order or some other action may be taken to keep you safe.
Threatening E-mails -- rather than calling, some people may send threatening emails. Again, keep track of these messages, save them, print them out and turn them over to the appropriate authorities right away. Do not respond to them.
Out & About
When you're walking on and off campus keep these tips in mind
- Walk with someone you know and trust, especially after dark.
- If you're being followed, walk toward crowds, lights, buildings.
- Call the University Police if you need a walk home or a safety escort to your vehicle in the dark when the shuttle is not operating.
- Stay on populated, well-lit paths.
- Let someone know when you're leaving and when you should arrive.
- Make it tough for someone to take you by surprise- don't wear headphones. Look around, with your head up and pay attention to your surroundings.
Personal Information
It's always a good plan to keep personal information to yourself in many situations.
Don't post notes on your door memo board saying where you are, what your schedule is, etc. Leave these messages for your roommate inside the room.
Never leave a message on your voicemail that says, "I'll be gone for a few days..." This alerts people to the fact that your room or apartment will be unattended.
Don't attach your ID or room number to your keys -- then, if you lose your keys, the finder won't know where you live.
Don't give out information about yourself over the phone.
It may seem like harmless fun but plastering your name, room # or phone # in your window for everyone to see is bound to encourage unwanted attention.
Sexual Assault
Studies show that at least 25% of female college students are victims of rape or attempted rape, and 84% know their attacker. Make every attempt to prevent becoming one of these statistics.
Don't be alone with someone you just met.
Trust your instincts.
Clearly communicate your intentions --say "NO" and mean it.
Keep a level head. Being under the influence of alcohol, ecstasy, heroin, inhalants, hallucinogens or other drugs can really compromise your safety by lowering inhibitions and clouding your judgment.
If you go somewhere with friends, make sure that everyone is accounted for before leaving.
Date Rape Drugs
Never leaving a drink unattended.
Never accepting drinks from strangers.
Unfortunately, there are people out there who may use a "date rape drug" to get what they want. Drugs such as GHB, Rohypnol (roofies) and Ketamine (Special K) are odorless and tasteless, making it easy for someone to slip them into your drink. The impact? For four to six hours, a sedated state will make you lose inhibitions, succumb to drowsiness, slur your speech, and forget what happens. So, keep yourself safe by: