The more the semester flies by, the more alleged crimes take place on campus and in the areas surrounding the University. Students should not have to worry about becoming a victim of crime while pursuing their degree, but unfortunately it is a real threat in today’s society.
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education, there were 42 reported instances of burglary on campus in 2005, making it the most common crime for that year. As for more violent offenses, there were six reported cases of aggravated assault and three reported forcible sexual offenses in that same year. While these statistics don’t sound overwhelming considering there are nearly 30,000 students at the University, these numbers don’t include the crimes that are never reported. Regardless, one crime is one crime too many.
Crime and violence are problems that affect both sexes. Because of this, it is important for everyone to be aware of ways they can reduce their chances of “becoming a statistic.” There are many different resources and tips for students, faculty and staff that are designed to keep us safe.
When I was a student at Loyola University New Orleans this past fall, Loyola joined with Tulane University to sponsor a program called “Women and Men Take Back the Night.” One of the free sponsored events was a presentation at Tulane by Erin Weed, the founder of Girls Fight Back, a crime prevention organization. Weed founded Girls Fight Back after her sorority sister was brutally murdered in 2001 by an intruder of her apartment. Her friend’s death motivated Weed to teach other people, particularly women, how to avoid becoming victims of crime.
Throughout her presentation, Weed emphasized prevention is the most important way to not becoming a victim. According to Weed, listening to your intuition is vital.
“If something feels wrong, it probably is. Your intuition will never lead you into more danger,” Weed said.
She also cautioned students to stay in groups when partying together. She told them to “go with your friends and go home with friends.”
One of the University community’s most valuable resources is LSUPD. According to LSUPD Chief Ricky Adams and Maj. Lawrence Rabalais, the department offers numerous crime prevention services including tips on its Web site, guest speakers and Safety Awareness Programs such as Rape Aggression Defense systems, also known as R.A.D.
Adams and Rabalais encourage students to use campus resources such as Campus Transit or calling LSUPD to request an officer to escort you to your dorm or car if needed. For students living off campus, Adams suggested calling a parent or friend on your cell phone before exiting your vehicle. The person can stay on the line until you make it safely into your home, but make sure not to be immersed in conversation and not paying attention to your surroundings.
Adams and Rabalais both confirmed what Weed said in her presentation – trust your instincts. Adams also said people should not let others get into their comfort zone.
“Don’t allow a person to let your guard down … and don’t assume that everyone’s intentions are as good as yours,” Adams said.
Adams and Rabalais agreed however, that someone can do everything right and still become a victim of crime. So use the resources available to lower the chances of something happening to you.
Rabalais said it takes a special police officer to work on a college campus.
“You do more community service. We want to do what we can to help, even if it means taking you off campus so you get home safely rather than you getting attacked,” Rabalais said.
I am a liberal feminist. So I strongly believe men and women should both respect each other and not violate each other’s boundaries. We don’t live in a perfect world, however, and there are people who don’t possess common decency. As Weed said, “Some people, like [my sorority sister’s] killer, show no remorse for life, and you have to protect yourselves from those people.”
Protecting yourself from crime is not showing weakness or placing the blame on the victim and not the violator. Go to self-defense classes, whether you are a guy or a girl. I rarely agree with how the University spends its money, but it is important that the administration continues to provide the LSUPD with resources and support because public safety should be a top priority for all of us.
Most importantly, don’t think you are being paranoid simply because you are taking precautions. Being cautious is not telling the world you’re a weak person who doesn’t demand respect – it confirms that you are a strong, smart individual.
—–Contact Laura Bratcher at [email protected]