Deanne Applewhite
Staff Writer
September began a risky time for female students on college campuses around the nation because the majority of college rapes happen during this time.
“A lot of freshman and college students are not aware of the culture and their campus and they often fall into peer pressure,” said Frances White, a therapist for the Latasha Norman Center (LNC) at Jackdon State University. “One in every five college females will experience some form of dating violence.”
According to the Crisis Connections website, every 21 hours a rape happens on an American college campus to women who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Because of these statistics, the LNC provides outreach presentations in classes and residence halls to incease awareness so that students know the risks and to provide information on how to be safe on and off college campuses. The center also collaborates with the Southern Institute for Mental Health Advocacy, Research and Training (SMHART) and other on-campus departments such as Public Safety, the Applied Psychological Center and the Office of Student Life.
“I think that many freshman female students come to campus not being fully aware that there are some predatory males out here that are looking for an opportunity to take advantage of them,” said JoAnna Creal, a senior elementary education from Pine Bluff, Ark.
“It’s great that the campus has many programs in place to educate these students, but I think the programs should be mandatory for male and female students.”
Rochelle Murry, a sophomore biology major from Forest, Miss. said, “Freshman don’t always think maturely and that makes them vulnerable on campus.”
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), the nations’ largest anti-sexual violence organization, gives these tips on how women can stay safe in new environments such as “college campuses.”
1. Scope out your campus. Whether you’re walking to your residence from the library or another dorm, learn the safest route on your campus where it is well lit and people are around.
2. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or even unsafe, leave the guy you were flirting with at the party and tell him you don’t want to go home with him. Your safety always comes first.
3. Put that I-Phone 4, Blackberry, Droid or even Nokia to use as a tool of your safety. Make sure it is fully charged before you go out. Feel an awkward vibe from a guy and you’re alone, shoot your friend a quick text and have them come pick you up.
4. Be mysterious online. For all of you twitter and facebook users, it might not be safe to put your every move on these sights. Posting your whereabouts gives details to “lurkers” that can track your every movement.
5. Don’t totally let your guard down with someone until they have earned your trust. It’s easy to feel a false sense of security at college. In fact the majority of sexual assaults are committed by someone who knows the victim.
6. Stick with your friends! Arrive together! Check in with each other during a social event or party and leave together!
