College campuses are full of learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. Unfortunately, college campuses can also be very dangerous – especially for young students who thrive on their new-found independence which often brings with it an “It won’t happen to me” attitude.

College students are at risk. It’s important to remember that the college campus itself can be a dangerous place. First of all, campuses are often open to the public which means virtually anyone can be on the campus at anytime. Second, the large concentration of people on the campus makes them prime areas for predators to find victims. Last, college students often travel to and from study groups, class and the library late at night.

There are precautions that can help. There are many things college students can do, however, to take the necessary precautions to help them avoid problems on or off campus.

• Know where the emergency call boxes are and know how to use them to call for help if something does happen.

• Avoid traveling alone. If that is not possible, inform a roommate or friend where you’ll be and when you’ll be home.

• Avoid wearing headphones. Wearing headphones prevents you from being completely aware of your surroundings and makes you more vulnerable to an attack.

• Stay prepared. Carry your identification, you cell phone and even pepper spray (and know how to use it).

Ways to party safe. In addition for many students, partying and college go hand in hand. By taking the proper precautions, partying can be less dangerous. Before going to a party, college students need to remember the follow: never accept drinks from strangers, never leave drinks unattended, never travel too and from parties alone and never go out without informing at least one other person of your plans.

By taking the proper precautions and preparations, the college experience can be the safe, fun and life-changing experience it’s meant to be.

Self-Defense: Why you Need a Plan

While most assaults are rapes against women are committed by acquaintances or even an intimate, random assaults do occur and they can be devastating. By knowing what can happen and how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, however, many devastating events can be diverted or all together avoided.

Routines can be dangerous. The first thing you can do to help keep yourself safe is to take a look at your routines. Do you follow “the same path” day after day? This can be risky if someone is stalking you to either hurt you or gain access to your home because they can easily determine where you’ll be at any given time. Don’t be afraid to change things up regularly. Also, do you take a daily walk or jog and follow the same path? Again, if you’re route and timeframe is easy to determine, you will become an easy target. To avoid being a target, alter your route and travel with an exercise partner – as they say, there IS safety in numbers.

Pay attention to the places you frequent. To stay safe, it’s also very important to think carefully about the places you go to when you are out. One of the most dangerous places at night is the laundry mat because they are becoming more and more automated which means they often don’t have an attendant on duty (especially at night). Public restrooms, especially the ones that you enter from the outside (such as at convenience stores and has stations) can be great hiding places for a potential attacker. Additionally, wherever you are, try to avoid walking to your car alone when it’s dark. Ask a security guard to escort you if there is no one else to walk with you.

Don’t assume your house is safe. If you return home and things look “off” such as a door is ajar or there is a light on that shouldn’t be, do not enter the house. Instead, go to a neighbor’s or drive away and call the police.

Always stay prepared for the worst. If you find yourself in situations where you need to travel alone, stay prepared. Carry identification, a cell phone and anything that can be used as a weapon or deterrent to an attack. This could be a large bag that you can swing, your keys, pepper spray or a personal alarm – anything that would catch a potential attacker off guard will give you a few extra seconds to get away and get help.

Staying aware of your surroundings and keeping yourself alert and prepared is the best way to keep yourself safe.

Self Defense Tips

1. All women should be trained in self defense. A good self defense course teaches self-esteem and self-worth along with the physical moves needed to defend oneself.

2. Never walk alone to your car in the dark. Ask a friend, co-worker, classmate or security guard to escort you. If you know you’ll be returning to your car after dark, park as close to the building’s entrance as you can.

3. If you see people loitering in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to call the police. It could be nothing, but they could be staking out your neighbor or neighbor’s home.

4. Keep a phone in your bedroom at night so you can call for help if you need it.

5. If you are driving at night, try to avoid stopping at red lights. Slow down gradually with the hopes that the light will change before you arrive. If you do need to stop, leave enough room between your vehicle and the one in front of you so that you can pull away if someone approaches your car.