You made it!
You got the grades, aced the test, got accepted, and you are now a college student. Even though you worked hard to get to college, the same can't be said of crime, criminals, accidents and other hazards. I'm not trying to scare you, the college experience is an amazing one, and one of the best memories you can ever build, not only will you learn a lot, but you'll get to meet some amazing people, and encounter some amazing knowledge. However, for a few of you, some of these people can alter your college experience and give you an education you will never forget.
College and universities are not more dangerous than any other place in the United States, but they are not necessarily any safer. Crime happens in bad neighborhoods as well as good neighborhoods, even though the latter is not necessarily reported at the same frequency.
College is just a stepping stone that can help prepare you to live in the real world. Not only will you meet new friends, and great instructors, however there are all sorts of other people in, including scammers, predators, and other criminals.
Your College Crime Stats
Do you know what your campus crime stats are? In many cities, the crimes that happen on campus are separate from the crimes that happen off campus. Because of the Jeanne Clery Act colleges and universities are required to disclose annual statistics on student-related crime. In 1986, after a young woman was murdered on the campus of the college she was attending, her parents lobbied to gain passage of federal legislation to make this required.
The U.S. Department of Education has a tool on its website that can show you how safe various college campuses are.
Interesting facts
- College statistics show one in four college women surveyed are victims of rape or attempted rape
- 85% of rapes on campus are acquaintance rapes
- One in six female college students reported having been a victim of rape or attempted rape during the preceding year
- There are also the crimes of theft, and robbery on and off campus.
How to be a crime victim
Educate yourself! Your campus police have lots of information and lots of classes. Many campuses have RAD classes for young ladies to learn how to protect themselves. There is absolute no way to prevent from becoming a crime victim and live a normal life. However there are things you can do to greatly reduce your chances of being included in the above statistics.
- Trust your instincts. If you have a 'bad feeling ' or feel uncomfortable about a situation, location, or person quickly remove yourself from that place..
- Be aware and observe your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to escape of a bad situation.
- Try to avoid isolated and secluded areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one else is around.
- Walk with a purpose and confidence. Even if you don't know where you are going, act like you do, and remember to look around.
- Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this makes it harder to defend yourself.
- Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
- Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money. Do not keep your head down texting, or be so busy talking that you miss clues.
- Don't allow yourself to be left alone with someone you don't trust or someone you don't know. Meet new people in public places.
- Carry Pepper Spray - because it works. If you are out walking and can keep it in your hands, these gives you the best chance to use it when you need it.
