Safety Tips for College Women

Rape or sexual assaults against college women is a huge problem today. Information from reliable sources have disclosed alarming statistics. One study done by researchers at RTI International, Bowling Green State University, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill which was released in June, 2009, is of particular concern. The study was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Justice, which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The study showed that almost 20 percent of undergraduate women were sexually assaulted during their time in college. Alcohol or drugs played a factor as well. Statistics also showed that 11 percent of college women were assaulted when they were incapacitated and unable to give consent. Freshmen and sophomore women where targeted more than their junior and senior classmates for sexual assaults while they were under the influence of alcohol or any other drug. Other similar findings were announced by The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), which found that college women were 4 times more likely to be sexually assaulted or raped than other women in society.

With all these sexual assault statistics, it's no wonder that women in college need to follow some safety tips while on campus. If you are a woman planning to attend college or a parent of a student, you should keep in mind that prevention is number one! Please make sure that you follow the basic self defense or safety tips shown below or if you are a parent, inform your daughter about them.

• Keep the college police number handy, call them if you need an escort
• Most colleges offer self defense classes, enroll in one
• Buddy system; try not to walk alone, especially during the night
• At parties:
  - Keep your eye on your drink,
  don't leave it unattended
  - Never drink out of the punch bowl
  - Always get your own drink,
  never have others get it for you
• Carry some sort of self defense product, such as a pepper spray or a stun gun
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Let your fellow students know about these safety tips

It is common sense to follow these tips, just as it is to wear a seat belt when you drive. It's always better to be informed and prepared than to be careless and become a victim.