Before I go on and talk about how to stay safe on a college campus, I am going to explain why, right now, it is more important than ever to take this advice. As a student myself, I never felt fearful for my safety while walking around on campus. I have classes that don’t get out until the sky is pitch black, but I never felt like I wouldn’t make it home safe and sound. However, a lot has been happening on the University of Arizona campus lately that has got me thinking differently.
According to the Tucson Police Department, a female student was attacked on campus early Friday morning. This attack happened right in the center of campus near the corner of Highland Avenue where many of the dorms are located. The man that attacked the student first started a seemingly normal conversation before taking out a knife and sexually assaulting her. Bystanders were eventually able to distract the attacker long enough for the student to get away.
If this occurrence wasn’t bad enough, there is also a man inappropriately touching women on and around campus. Tucson Police call this man a serial attacker. Police do not have a description of the man, but they are able to tell us that he mainly targets women who jog alone at night. He inappropriately touches them as they run by. If jogging at night is your normal routine, then you don’t necessarily have to change it — but you should take extra precautions.
Full on panic is completely unnecessary, but extra precaution definitely is a good idea. So I compiled a list of tips to help you keep yourself safe from here on out.
- Don’t go out at night alone. There is strength in numbers. An attacker is much less likely to attack a group that a single person. Going out with at least one of your friends can help you stay aware because you have more than one set of eyes to watch your surroundings.
- Do not leave a party alone unless you absolutely need to. In that case, call an Uber or a cab and have them pick you up right outside the party. Then have them drop you off right at your doorstep. Drunk women are targeted more often because they are considered more vulnerable.
- Keep your phone with you at all times and don’t leave the house for the night without it being fully charged. If it comes down to you needing to call the police, you don’t want something that you easily could have prevented to stop you.
- Tell someone where you are going. That way if you don’t come back at a reasonable time, they can check up on you or call the police and tell them where they knew you were last.
- Be aware of your surroundings. This involves staying alert. If you walk around or run at night with headphones in, leave one of them out so you can hear what’s happening around you.You should also keep an eye on all of your surroundings as much as possible.
- Bring a weapon with you if you find it necessary. Pepper spray is a weapon that’s easy to use and effective on single attackers.
Just following these simple tips can help keep you safe on your college campus and give you piece of mind.There is no reason to stress because of the recent occurrences, but it is important to stay aware and actively pay attention to your safety.
