Experts share tips for staying safe on college campuses
Lexie Clinton, The Daily Cardinal (U. Wisconsin)
Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: News
MADISON, Wis. - Every campus crime sends shock waves across the isthmus, but the question still remains for every student leaving the University of Wisconsin's College Library at 3 a.m.: Am I safe?
Talking to different safety experts produced different advice but they all agreed students have a significant role in their own safety.
After hearing about the incidents of sexual assault, abduction and robbery affecting UW-Madison students this school year, Katherine Andriole, assistant program director at Security on Campus, a nonprofit, said students need to recognize the Madison environment simply may not be safe.
"If there really is a safety concern on campus, it is not a wise decision to walk home late at night, regardless whether you've been drinking or you're walking home from the library," Andriole said. "Avoid any vulnerable situation that you could put yourself in when you know your campus is not safe," she said.
The UW-Madison Police Department suggests when walking alone one should "walk in a brisk manner on well-lighted streets away from bushes or alleys," "have keys and cell phone accessible," while keeping hands free and maintaining an assertive posture.
Also, UWPD Lt. Eric Holen said, "If someone has a perception that they're not safe, hopefully they'll use some of the resources available that are designed to make them safer."
Students regularly use university-funded resources, like SAFEwalk, SAFEride and SAFEbus. But in some situations, the resources do not always cater to the student on the go.
"I usually wait for the bus, but sometimes it just takes too long and you don't know if it's coming soon, so I end up walking," said UW-Madison sophomore Lauren Dahlin.
In situations like this, Erin Weed, author of "Girls Fight Back!: The College Girl's Guide to Protecting Herself," recognizes walking alone is inevitable.
"I've heard many personal safety experts give advice like, 'Whatever you do, never ever walk alone at night.' What? Is that even practical or possible?" Weed writes in her book.
Talking to different safety experts produced different advice but they all agreed students have a significant role in their own safety.
After hearing about the incidents of sexual assault, abduction and robbery affecting UW-Madison students this school year, Katherine Andriole, assistant program director at Security on Campus, a nonprofit, said students need to recognize the Madison environment simply may not be safe.
"If there really is a safety concern on campus, it is not a wise decision to walk home late at night, regardless whether you've been drinking or you're walking home from the library," Andriole said. "Avoid any vulnerable situation that you could put yourself in when you know your campus is not safe," she said.
The UW-Madison Police Department suggests when walking alone one should "walk in a brisk manner on well-lighted streets away from bushes or alleys," "have keys and cell phone accessible," while keeping hands free and maintaining an assertive posture.
Also, UWPD Lt. Eric Holen said, "If someone has a perception that they're not safe, hopefully they'll use some of the resources available that are designed to make them safer."
Students regularly use university-funded resources, like SAFEwalk, SAFEride and SAFEbus. But in some situations, the resources do not always cater to the student on the go.
"I usually wait for the bus, but sometimes it just takes too long and you don't know if it's coming soon, so I end up walking," said UW-Madison sophomore Lauren Dahlin.
In situations like this, Erin Weed, author of "Girls Fight Back!: The College Girl's Guide to Protecting Herself," recognizes walking alone is inevitable.
"I've heard many personal safety experts give advice like, 'Whatever you do, never ever walk alone at night.' What? Is that even practical or possible?" Weed writes in her book.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Donna-Lee
posted 4/22/07 @ 11:14 PM EST
Regardless of where you are, male or female, it is imperative that you be alert and able to defend yourself.
There are certainly occasions that no one could predict, God forbid any of us find ourselves in that situation. (Continued…)
Post a Comment