Safety Tips

A college campus is a great place to learn and grow. But a college campus, like any other community, has its share of accidents, crimes, emergencies, and injuries.

Do your part to keep your campus safe and protect yourself and others.

Avoiding Rape

Stranger Rape
When walking, stay alert and always be aware of your surroundings and the people nearby. Walk with confidence. Show that you are in control. Body language is important in discouraging aggression.

Trust your instincts. If something or somebody makes you uncomfortable, get away immediately.

Remember the MSU safety motto of "MSU Takes Two". Walk with a friend whenever possible. Stick to well-lighted and well-traveled areas. Never take shortcuts through wooded areas.

If you think someone is following you, abruptly change directions or cross the street. If you are still be followed, go to the nearest public place and ask for help.

When jogging or biking, don’t do it alone. Think "MSU Takes Two" and go with a friend. If you must go by yourself, stay well clear of isolated or poorly lighted areas.

When shopping, don’t tempt fate by flashing large amounts of cash or other valuable items.

When returning home, if you are out late studying, call a friend or the Bully Patrol for a campus escort. Don’t fumble in your pocket or purse for your door key. Have it in hand when you approach the door.

If you must call for help, consider yelling “Fire” instead of “Help” or “Rape.” Some people may be reluctant to get involved or may not take a call for help seriously. However, they usually will come to see a fire. Never, ever hitchhike.

Date Rape
Socialize with people who share your values. If you have friends who are more sexually permissive than you are, others may assume that you share their values. Choose your dates carefully.

Be careful when you invited a date or male friend to your home or room, and likewise when invited to his home or room. These are the places where date rape is most likely to take place.

Avoided secluded places, especially at the beginning of a relationship. Establish a pattern of going where there are other people, where you will be comfortable and safe. This will give you the opportunity to get to know the person better and to decide whether you want to continue the relationship and what kind of relationship it will be.

Go on a double or group date if you are unsure of a new acquaintance. If this isn’t possible, meet him in a public place and have your own transportation or taxi fare to get home.

Set your own sexual limits. It is your body. No one has the right to force you to do anything you don’t want to do. If you don’t want someone to touch or kiss you, say so. If you date persists, simply say, “Take your hands off of me” or “If you don’t stop it right now, I’ll leave.” Stopping sexual activity does not mean that something is wrong with you, or that you’re not a real woman. It means that you are a mature woman who makes her own life choices.

Be alert to the messages you may seem to be giving. Men may interpret your behavior differently from what you intend. You may seem to them to be sending sings of willingness to enter a sexual relationship when you don’t think you are. This does not imply that sexual flirtation justifies rape. It is meant a practical advice for avoiding a problem.

Trust your own feelings. If you feel you are being pressured, you probably are. Leave the situation as quickly as possible if it does not appear that things will ease up.

Be loud in protesting if things start to get out of hand. This will make your feelings clear and may alert someone who is within hearing distance that you need help.

Be aware that alcohol and drugs are often related to date rape. They hinder your date’s and your ability to make responsible decisions. If you choose to drink alcohol, do it responsibly.