When choosing a college, many female students, like Kathryn Warren, didn't factor campus safety into their decision.
I didn't consider (safety)
but I feel safe here said Warren, a freshman. My mom worries a lot though. She just sent me a care package with a pamphlet on how to prevent being assaulted in it.
In the past few years, the number of crimes related to alcohol and drug use has declined, but sex offenses have increased at Ohio University.
Instances of sexual assault on campus in Athens have increased from 4 reports in 2006 to 12 reports in 2007, according to the Ohio University Police Department. Within the past three months, one case of rape, one case sexual assault and an attempted abduction on Grosvenor Street were reported.
One in every six women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, with college-aged women four times more likely to be assaulted than any other age group, and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network Web site.
Sexual assault groups a broad category of several criminal offenses that include: rape, sexual battery, sexual imposition, public indecency, and voyeurism ' watching others from a secret vantage point.
While some students like Warren don't think much about their safety on campus, others worry.
I don't feel safe walking around campus alone at night said Katie Carlson, a sophomore studying psychology. Last year I basically ran from my evening class in Copeland to my dorm on East Green.
If students finds themselves in a situation where they are alone, whether at a party or leaving a late class, and don't feel safe walking alone, they can contact Safe-T Patrol ' a free service through OUPD that will pick escort them any place on campus, said Amanda Childress, assistant director of Health Promotion For Sexual Assault Prevention.
Safe-T patrol is a great resource
Childress said. They're not there to get anyone in trouble and escorts come in pairs
usually one male and one female
so no one feels uncomfortable. Safe-T Patrol is available everyday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. -
she said.
Blue phones are also available on campus to make emergency calls or to call local phone numbers, but the location of the phones is sporadic, Childress said.
Communicating is key is staying safe
she said. In an actual emergency situation
your time would be better spent running than making a phone call but telling others where you are going and what time you will be there can help you stay safe.
Although most women fear being attacked by a stranger, they should also be on guard when with acquaintances.
Chances are
someone is not going to jump out of the bushes and grab you
Childress said. Most instances of sexual assault occur when you invite someone into your home.
Sexual assaults are also more likely to occur when students separate from friends, like leaving someone at a party, she added.
I would never leave my friends alone at a party
