For some students, the issue of personal safety prompts questions concerning the state of campus security, including patrolling police officers, adequate lighting and constant surveillance.
But the challenge of remaining safe on campus is largely an issue of personal responsibility, according to Kathy Saichuk, Health Promotion Coordinator at the Student Health Center.
Over past weeks, a few areas around campus were the scenes of several attacks, including the rape of a woman after she was abducted in broad daylight near Brightside Drive, Saichuk said. There was no description of the suspect, who reportedly forced the unnamed victim into a wooded area before returning the victim to her home.
“We are seeing an increase in reporting of incidents,” said Capt. Cory Lalonde, LSU Police Department spokesman. This increase, according to Lalonde, stems from more awareness of and questioning about suspicious activity.
Personal safety campaigns like “See Something Say Something” are designed to improve reporting of crimes, which decreases future crimes by limiting the opportunity for attacks, Lalonde said.
“If you limit the opportunity, you lessen the risk of becoming a victim,” he said.
Saichuk agreed that more crimes have been reported. “From a sexual assault perspective, it’s still the most underreported crime anywhere, anytime,” Saichuk said.
Crimes of this nature raise questions about taking steps toward improving personal safety, which requires “some personal responsibility for your own safety,” Saichuk said.
Ridding daily activities of distractions is an integral part in decreasing the risk of being attacked or abducted, Saichuk said. Taking simple steps, such as planning ahead, notifying friends or family of whereabouts and staying off of cell phones can significantly improve personal safety.
“I carry a Taser and even park under the street lights,” said biological sciences senior Taylor Bourque. “The lighting is good in most places, but I had a friend get attacked in the Enchanted Forest.”
Bourque said she takes precautions every time she leaves campus, including getting rides from her friends to her car.
Although the University provides adequate security on and off campus, not every attack is preventable, Lalonde said.
“Crime prevention on campus is not just the responsibility of the police department,” Lalonde said. “We can’t be everywhere at once.”
Taking the time to be cautious and properly prepared allows for fewer distractions to occur, which has been a major issue in many of these cases, Lalonde said.
In addition to preparation and caution, personal safety involves allowing the mind to make natural judgments in a perilous situation, Saichuk said.
“Our instincts are very powerful,” Saichuk said. “I always tell students to ‘trust your gut.’”
The University offers a variety of services designed to keep students safe. Transportation such as Campus Transit, Tiger Trails and even LSUPD patrol cars are always readily available for students in need of assistance.
