Tip #1: Travel in Groups
I know tons of guys who make fun of girls whenever we go to the bathroom together. Truth is, there's a reason behind that. We don't just do it because we're BFFs and can't stand to be apart even to go to the bathroom. Sexual assault can happen anywhere at anytime. It doesn't have to be at night or in a private place. Some predators will assault you in broad daylight for anyone to see. Many people have this perception of sexual assault only happening in the middle of the night in some creepy alley way. Yes, we need to avoid those types of situations, but those aren't the only times we need to be cautious. The buddy system is always smart in every situation.Tip #2: Never Put Your Drink Down
Especially in college, drinks tend to be in solo cups. The top of a solo cup is a very easy target for someone to get to. If you put that cup down and walk away for even just a second, someone can easily slip something into your drink that will make assaulting you like stealing candy from a baby. Even when you go to the bathroom, TAKE IT WITH YOU. Don't give it to someone else to hold onto either because who knows if they'll put it down and walk away for a second. I transferred to George Mason, but at my old school I had a friend come and visit me and we went to an underground frat that was actually banned from the school at the time because of several of these incidents occurring. Her name was Julie, a very pretty blonde, super outgoing. About halfway through the night, someone slipped something into her drink. Luckily, my friends and I noticed it immediately and carried her back to our dorm before anyone else noticed. That situation could've gone south in a hurry and she may not be here right now. It's more important to keep your drink in your possession than most people realize.Another few things with drinks: never share with anyone, never accept drinks from anyone, never drink from an open bowl, and don't drink anything that tastes off. These are all possibilities of consuming a spiked drink.
Tip #3: Always Have a Ride Home
You may plan on staying sober, but you'd be surprised at how easily people cave under peer pressure. An hour later and your three drinks deep with no ride home. That's when people try to drive themselves home and end up with a DUI or worse. I'll tell anyone without shame that I've had to call my mom before to come pick me up from a party. When all your friends are at the same party with you and everyone is drinking, and staying at the house is not an option, what do you do? Call the people you can always rely on.. your family. Trust me, they'll be happy that you didn't drive or get in a car with someone else.Tip #4: Make Sure Your Phone is Charged
You never want to end up in a situation where your only lifeline is calling someone for help, but your phone is dead. Try to always keep your phone charged up as much as possible. I always have a charger with me as well, so that if I'm going to be in one place for an extended period of time, I can charge my phone back up. Work, school, study sessions.. find chances to charge your phone. You never know when your life might depend on it.Tip #5: Trust Your Instincts
If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's to trust your instincts. Always go with your initial feeling or initial thought. It will always be right. If being with a certain person doesn't feel right or you're never really comfortable around them.. time to say goodbye. Just like dogs and other animals, we can tell when something isn't quite right. Even if we have absolutely no proof that it isn't right, our gut feeling always meanings something. If you ever feel uneasy in a situation, get out of it. It's better to be safe than sorry.Many universities have tip websites that you can read through to help find some other tips on how you can better prevent yourself from sexual assault.
These are all very good tips. I also want to add maybe a protection of some sort. Not saying guns or any dangerous weapons, but small things such as pepper stray. I would say rape whistle, but I honestly don't know how well that works nowadays or if it ever did. But I think every women should carry pepper stray, you honestly never know when you'll need it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katy Tong. Pepper spray is a good idea to carry. You can never be too careful. Some backpacks (especially The Northface) has a built in whistle that you can use at any time. It was essentially designed if you're going camping and lost in the middle of the woods but it is also helpful if someone is trying to do something bad to you. It is pretty loud and useful to use if a bad situation ever occurs.
ReplyDeleteLast year for a class I was taking we had to write an essay on whether or not colleges should by dry completely or only in the dorms. In my opinion, dorms should be dry not the college as a whole. I think that a majority of those staying in dorms are freshman and generally are under 21. On the opposite end there is a lot more research on why colleges should remain alcohol and drug free. I think that you did a good job with this blog because if people are going to drink, they should be safe about it. What do you think about the college question?
ReplyDeleteThese are all really great tips, and I agree with Katy that carrying pepper spray or some sort of protective agent is also important. Also to add to tip #1, not only travel in groups, but travel in groups you know! I know of someone who went out with a few girls she was only slightly acquainted with and ended up being taken advantage of...So make sure you trust the people you go out with!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find this information from? These tips are so important! From my time in college, I have followed these tips when I go out so I can make it back to where I need to be in one piece. In fact, I have taken classes in self-defense for extra protection. It's hard to try not to be paranoid when you go out, but it is more important to always be aware. In addition to Tip #3, if the ride with a random person or someone you do not trust, keep a taxi number with you. Better to be safe and pay a few dollars than be sorry.
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