College Campus Safety

Rape is practically an epidemic on college campuses. Statistics show that college-aged students are at the highest risk of being raped or sexually assaulted, and many of these assaults are by someone the victim knows well. It's a frightening thought, especially for those who are going away to college for the first time this fall.

Rape and sexual assault are serious issues that nobody should have to face first-hand, and although rape is never the fault of the victim there are still plenty of things that college-age students can do to keep themselves safe.

Walking to Class or Walking Home
Contrary to what some people believe, most rapes aren't committed by strangers who attack women late at night. Most rapes are committed by those who know the victim. Then again, "stranger rapes" can still happen to people walking home at night, along with muggings and other forms of assault. To protect yourself, try not to go out by yourself after dark if you can help it. Walk with friends, try to stick to well-lit or crowded places, avoid shortcuts and don't wear headphones or ear buds. If someone asks you for directions or a question from a vehicle, answer from a distance. Don't get within arms length of the vehicle. Finally, if you are assaulted during your walk, it helps to have a can of pepper spray with you. Pepper spray is very painful when sprayed into the eyes, and it has been known to incapacitate even the largest and most dangerous assailants.

Drinking Responsibly
Whether people want to admit it or not, drinking alcohol is a big part of the college experience. Schools are full of young men and women who are away from home for the first time and may be getting their first true taste of alcohol. Needless to say, they don't always handle it responsibly. Sadly, many people also take advantage of this kind of irresponsible drinking and use it as a chance (or excuse?) to sexually assault others.

If you go to a party, a bar or anywhere else where you may be drinking, do your best to be responsible. Don't drink on an empty stomach since that will cause the alcohol to be absorbed by your body more quickly, always make sure that you have a sober friend with you and keep a close eye on your drink so that nobody has the chance to slip something into it.

Above all else, learn to trust your gut whenever you're in an unfamiliar situation. If something doesn't feel right to you or you feel uncomfortable about a certain situation, don't be afraid to leave. Your intuition can tell you more than you know, so you should listen to it at all times. It could save your life. And be sure to carry UDAP Pepper Spray the world’s hottest pepper spray!