September is an exciting time for college students beginning their studies at universities across the country.  Unfortunately, the first few months of the school year are when 50% of sexual assaults take place.

RAINN, (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE

To increase on-campus safety, RAINN recommends the following:

• Know your Resources – Have the contact information of a friend, of campus police, and of campus security programmed into your cell phone for quick access.
• Stay Alert – Be aware of your surroundings; walk with a friend or ask campus police for an escort. If using headphones, only put in one ear so you can hear what is around you.
• Be Careful about Posting your Location – Disable geolocation on social media.
• Make others earn your trust – Get to know people before relying on them.
• Think about Plan B – Memorize phone numbers in case your phone dies; memorize your street address; keep extra cash on hand in case you cannot use your debit card; keep gas in your tank and jumper cables in your car.
• Be Secure – Lock your door and windows when you leave or when you are sleeping. Do not leave doors to the building propped open.

To increase safety in social settings:

• Make a plan. If you’re going to a party, go with people you trust. Agree to watch out for each other and plan to leave together; don’t leave someone stranded in an unfamiliar situation.
• Protect your drink. Don’t leave your drink unattended, and watch out for your friends’ drinks if you can. If you go to the bathroom or step outside, take the drink with you or toss it out.
• Know your limits. Keep track of how many drinks you’ve had, and be aware of your friends’ behavior. If one of you feels extremely tired or more drunk than you should, you may have been drugged. Leave the party or situation and find help immediately.
• It’s okay to lie. If you want to exit a situation immediately, it’s okay to lie. You are never obligated to remain in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, pressured, or threatened. Excuses you could use are needing to take care of another friend or family member, an urgent phone call, not feeling well, and having to be somewhere else by a certain time.
• Be a good friend. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

For further information and additional tips on ways you can help to increase campus safety for yourself or someone you know, please visit:  https://www.rainn.org/articles/staying-safe-campus