National Campus Awareness Sexual Assault Month

Going back to college is stressful, fun, exciting, and makes you self-reflective on what you want to accomplish before starting your career. However, every year in September is National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It is necessary to get familiar with your college campus and to be alert to any suspicious activity. As well as being cautious when you make new friendships and with your new romantic relationships. Sexual assaults in college campuses do occur in September and throughout the Fall semester; Yet most sexual assault incidents on campus are only reported by twenty percent.

No matter where you study on campus, it is best to remain alert, look at your surroundings, and report any suspicious activities to the law enforcement. Sexual assault can happen at your college library, parking lots, hallways, restrooms, and any other area on campus. It is recommended to read your college campus newspaper or college campus website to be informed about sexual assault incidents and other crimes that occur in your college. As well as getting resources about sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence from your college campus. Only twenty two percent of college students do not know where to get resources for sexual assault prevention.

Do not get distracted when you are walking to your classrooms, to the parking lot, or other areas of your college campus. Use the buddy system. Avoid using headphones with your cell phone when you are walking in and outside of college. Keep your hands free from devices when walking. Additionally, do not be afraid to report anything that you see or hear on college campus, especially if someone is in danger.

If you do not feel safe walking to your college campus parking lot, ask your college law enforcement to walk you to the parking lot. Each year college students experience stalking, harassment, and some form of domestic violence from their partner. One in five women experience sexual assault in their college campus. It is estimated that seventy eight percent of men also experience sexual assault in college. Some sexual assaults involve alcohol incidents in college campuses and ninety percent of them include rape incidents.

Unfortunately, some sexual assault incidents go unreported because of fear and having a disability. If you witness someone experiencing sexual assault on campus, it is important to report it. As well as knowing the warning signs that someone is being stalked, verbally abused, harassed, and other forms of domestic violence. Sexual assault has warning signs but sometimes are often ignored because of multiple reasons. One reason is because they know the person that did the assault and end up making excuses to justify their actions. 

Even if you know the person, do report the incident if it occurs to you or to your best friend. The second reason is shame and not believing that the assault happened to them. Yet, reporting it can prevent others from getting assaulted on college campuses. The third reason is not letting anyone know about it because of family gossip. No matter what the reasons are reporting it will give you peace of mind and prevents others from sexual assault incidents. 

Carry a whistle. Put your hair up and a little bit tight so your hair is not grabbed when you are walking. Wear anti-assault jewelry that can help you contact the police by pressing one button. Take self-defense classes. Inspect the windows and locks from your dorm room.

If you feel you are being stalked, go inside a public area where it is crowded and contact the police immediately. Memorize license plates, facial features of the stalker, and any suspicious behaviors. Do not do the laundry at night when you are alone. Additionally, do not go to the ATM at night even if it is near your college dorm. Follow your instincts and leave quickly, especially if you do not feel safe with your surroundings. 

Post information on social media for staying safe on college campuses. Wear teal to bring awareness of sexual assault prevention in college. Furthermore, pass out brochures and other resources for National Campus Awareness Sexual Assault Month. College must be a fun, safe, and productive learning experience for everyone. Here are resources for National Campus Awareness Sexual Assault Month. 

Campus Sexual Abuse: How to Protect Students and Support Survivors:

Campus Sexual Abuse: How to Protect Students and Support Survivors

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support-RAINN:

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support-RAINN

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