Back-to-School Safety Tips

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) has released helpful safety tips for college students going back to school.

September 07, 2011 CS Staff

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) has released helpful safety tips for college students going back to school. College aged students are at the highest risk for being sexually assaulted; the majority of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows. Being aware of this risk, looking out for your friends and using a bit of common sense are often the first steps to staying safe.

“While you can’t prevent a perpetrator from committing an act of sexual violence, practical steps can be taken to improve safety and reduce risk,” said Katherine Hull, spokesperson for RAINN. “It’s important for students to be made aware of these possible risks, look out for one another, use common sense and know how and where to get help if they need it.”

Trust your instincts and be yourself.If you feel unsafe, or even uncomfortable, in any situation, go with your gut. Don’t worry about what others think; your own safety comes first.
Use your cell phone as a tool.Make sure it’s fully charged before you leave home. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, shoot a quick text for a “friend-assist.“Make a plan before you go out just in case your phone dies, so you can meet up with your friends at a specific location at a certain time.
Be careful when leaving status or away messages online and when using the “check-in” feature on Facebook or Foursquare.Leaving information about your whereabouts reveals details that are accessible to everyone. Use common sense so that someone can’t track your every move. If you wouldn’t give the information to a stranger, then don’t put it on your online profile.
Wait to let your guard down until people earn your trust.A college campus can foster a false sense of security. Don’t assume people you’ve just met will look out for your best interests; remember that they are essentially strangers.
Don’t be afraid to hurt someone’s feelings.If you find yourself in an unsafe situation it’s OK to lie.Make up an excuse as to why you have to go. It’s better to make up a reason to leave than to stay in a possibly dangerous situation. Your safety comes before someone else’s feelings.
If you see something, say something!Intervene if a situation seems questionable or if someone’s safety is at risk.By taking action you can prevent a crime from being committed.Remember you can alsocontact your resident assistant or campus police.
Stick with your friends, and watch out for each other. Arrive together, check in with one another throughout the night, and leave together. Think twice about going off alone and if, for whatever reason, you have to separate from your friends, let them know where you are going and who you are with.
Drink responsibly and know your limits.Don’t accept drinks from people who you don’t know or trust, and never leave your drink unattended. If you have left your drink alone, get a new one. Always watch your drink being prepared. At parties, stick to drinks you got or prepared yourself instead of common open containers like punch bowls.
Watch out for your friends.If a friend seems out of it, is way too intoxicated for the amount of alcohol they’ve had, or is acting out of character, get him or her to a safe place. If you suspect that you or a friend has been drugged, call 911. Be explicit with doctors so they can administer the correct tests.
Be aware of your surroundings.Whether you’re walking home from the library or at a party be mindful of potential risks. Get to know your campus and learn a well-lit route back to your dorm or place of residence. Think of a safe exit strategy.Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. Talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. Help is just a call or click away via RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotlines: 1-800.656.HOPE and online at rainn.org.

About RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotlines (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers across the country. The hotlines have helped more than 1.5 million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.

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