Sexual assault on college campuses is a very problem. It is never the victim’s fault when they experience sexual assault, but there are some things students can do to protect themselves against sexual assault. Here’s how to prevent sexual assault on college campuses.
Students should share their information with people they trust, stay vigilant, travel with a buddy, and make a plan and backup plan in order to prevent sexual assault on campus.
Share Information with Trusted Friends and Family
Students should inform their trusted friends and family members about their plans, like an Uber ride, parties, or a date. Provide information like names, addresses, dates and times, and phone numbers. A lot of rideshare apps have implemented a new feature to share the location and progress of the ride as it is going on. Additionally, many smartphones have a feature where users can share their locations with other people.
Stay Vigilant
In any risky situation, students should stay vigilant and conscious of their surroundings. This includes being aware of a risky environment or situation and not getting distracted by texts or social media.
For one, being mindful of drinks is a simple but effective way of staying safe. Assaulters often drug drinks to incapacitate victims and take advantage of them. Watching who makes the drink, keeping the drink close, and refusing strange drinks are good, preventative steps. Do not leave the drink unattended and throw it away if it is left alone after a while.
Another way of staying vigilant is in the student’s residence area. Staying secure in dorms or apartments is another effective safety measure. Be mindful of locking doors and windows and consider investing in a new lock or door jam.
Related: 7 College Sexual Assault Court Cases
Travel with a Buddy
Students should try to stick with a buddy at all times in risky situations, especially at night. Get someone to walk with to and from a late-night study session, and always arrive and leave parties with a friend. Often, universities provide police escorts at night to ensure student safety. Take advantage of campus resources like police escorts and shuttles to maximize safety precautions.
Make a Plan and Backup Plan
Before going out or making a risky excursion, always make a plan and a backup plan. Know where to go, who to stay with, and what to do if plans change. Memorize important information, like a roommate’s phone number and dorm address. Keeping some useful supplies on hand is always a good idea, like a portable phone charger, jumper cables, spare keys, and pepper spray.
Related: What to Do If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted at College
FAQs
What can I do to prevent sexual assault on campus?
Students should share their information with people they trust, stay vigilant with their drinks and residence area, travel with a buddy, and make a plan and backup plan in order to prevent sexual assault on campus.
How can I stay vigilant?
Stay vigilant by being mindful of your surroundings, your drink, and the security of your home. If you are in a risky situation, be aware of your environment and do not get caught up in texts or social media. Keep your drink with you at all times and watch it carefully to ensure it is not tampered with or drugged. Be mindful of locking your doors and consider getting a door jam for extra security.
What should I do before going out?
Make a plan and backup plan and share information with trusted friends and family. Before you go out, check to see what your plans are, where to go, who you will stay with, and what to do if plans change. Keep some useful tools with you, like a phone charger or pepper spray. Share information with trusted friends and family so they can keep track of you with your location, rideshare status, and the names of other people.
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one would like to know more about preventing sexual assault on college campuses, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for the help you need. Get your free consultation with one of our Campus Sexual Assault Attorneys today.