I am an 18-year-old white female attending Ohio University. I should feel safe on my own campus. And the fact is that recently I don't feel as safe as I should. There have been three accounts of reported sexual assaults just within the past week. I feel like I can't stay at the library after 9 P.M. when I'm alone, because I have to walk home in the dark. Rape culture is becoming more prevalent on many college campuses, and sexual assault reports are rising. Students on the Ohio University campus should not take this subject lightly.
There have been 24 sex crimes reported to the Ohio University Police Department since the beginning of the school year in fall. The OUPD have sent out two emails alerting Ohio University students of these misdemeanors and also giving pointers on how to stay safe while on campus. These pointers include not walking home alone at night, remaining alert to your surroundings when walking home and dialing 911 if you see or are a victim of gross sexual imposition. Out of those 24 reported crimes, only three of the suspected have been charged with a fine or jail time. Sexual assault needs to stop.
I should feel safe going to the library.
A few weeks ago, one of the reported cases of sexual assault allegedly happened while a female was walking home from Vernon R. Alden Library. I live on Dirty South, which is approximately a 10 minute walk from the library, and normally, I do it all the time alone regardless of what time it is. Due to this account of gross sexual imposition, I no longer feel safe walking home from the library after 9 P.M. I should be able to go to the library to study without feeling like I need to have 911 dialed and ready to hit call when I walk home.
Or going out on the weekends.
Many of the reported sex crimes happened on Court Street late at night. These girls who reported the crimes were most likely under the influence at the time of the assault, but that does not make the situation any better or worse. I should feel safe going out on the weekends and walking home with my friends. I should not have to carry pepper spray or the Safety Cat Women's Self Defense key chain with me at all times.
I shouldn't have to worry when my roommate isn't home at 11 o'clock.
A few nights ago, I was at the library late studying with one of my classmates. We were together and planning to walk home together, so I was feeling fine about going home after midnight, but had neglected to tell my roommate this plan. She texted me at 11 o'clock asking me if I was OK and if I needed her to come get me. I declined her offer, telling her I was with a friend but I appreciated the thought. She should not have to worry about me walking home before midnight. I shouldn't have to worry when she is meeting her friends for coffee at 9 P.M. and has to walk halfway there alone.
I want to be a trusting person.
I grew up in a small town, so everyone was kind of looking out for one another. If there was suspicious activity, it was shut down within a few hours. Those suburban moms know when something bad is going down and they stop it within a day. But here, I don't have those suburban moms looking out for me. I want to trust the people I go to school with; it was one of the reasons I chose to go to Ohio University. Everyone seemed so kind and genuine. I want to trust them, but with the recent sexual assault charges, I'm finding it hard to do so.
Remember to try and walk home with a buddy (I know the buddy system is so third grade, but it works), try and stay in well lit areas when walking home, dial 911 if you see suspicious activity and stay safe. Bobcats gotta stick together.
