4 Tips for Preventing Sexual Assault
It is no secret that sexual assault is prevalent on college campuses nationwide. Fortunately, many colleges recognize the issue and are taking steps to help raise awareness of what can be done to end the rise of sexual assault.
Temple University, specifically, is hosting a variety of events for Sexual Assault Prevention Week. Women are often taught various defense mechanisms to help keep them safe and it important to keep these in mind when they are out and about.
1. Carry pepper spray
Pepper spray is super useful and can come in small bottles for easy use and hiding. Some even come in cute cases that you can attach to your keychain. There are brands out there that leave a trail on whoever you sprayed so if a police officer shines a flashlight on the suspect, he/she will detect that the person sprayed was actually the victim. This helps in the identification process since going through an emotional experience can leave some details a bit fuzzy.
2. Have a buddy system in place
If you know you are going somewhere, calculate how much time it will take to get there, especially if it requires walking. Contact a friend or family member and let them know that you are going out and how long you should take to get there, resolving to contact them as soon as you get there.
Have them on-call in case of an emergency and have them contact you if it goes beyond the designated period of time. If you are in an uncomfortable situation, use your contact to get out of the situation or to have to call authorities.
3. Avoid walking alone if possible
Walking around campus, or anywhere, increases the likelihood of something happening. However, the old adage about there being strength in numbers is true. Get a group of friends together if you have a long walk to your destination. If you and your friends have conflicting schedules, see if your campus has a walking escort program so that a security officer can walk with you to your destination who knows how to keep you safe.
4. Educate the guys in your life about your concerns, and have them educate other guys
Ultimately, these steps should not need to be required. Women should be able to feel safe, no matter the time of day or what they are doing. They should not have to learn these extra protective measures. If you have a couple good guy friends, sit down with them and discuss your thoughts on sexual assault and ask their opinions as well. Tell them about your fears of it happening to you and have them talk to their friends about putting an end to sexual assault.