Protecting yourself on campus

What you need to know about defending yourself while at college

What do you do if you feel unsafe?

The first thing to do is to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your ears perked and your eyes open. When you feel unsafe, or if you feel like you are being watched or followed, call Ferris Department of Public Safety at ext. 2000 and request an escort.

DPS will escort students on campus between the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.

WHAT if you are attacked?

Call out for help as loudly as possible, and if you are able, use a phone or blue box to get help.

Emergency call boxes are located at various locations around campus and are a direct line to the police. They have a distinct blue light that shines out from the top and are painted blue.

The best thing to do is to take action before anything can happen. Ferris frequently offers Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) classes that are open and available for students. To get information or sign up for the next available class, call DPS at ext. 2000 and ask about the availability of classes.

WHEN am I most likely to be attacked?

When you are alone and in an area that is not heavily populated by foot traffic, you are more likely to be attacked. You are also more likely to be attacked when the attacker has the advantage. More often than not, an attacker will choose a place with which they are familiar.

WHERE am I most likely to be attacked?

According to crime statistics, two thirds of all assaults take place in your own home. Both sexual and physical assaults are more likely to be perpetrated by someone you know.

Who is more likely to be attacked?

According to the National Crime Clock, college women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than non-college women. Knowing your risks can help you curtail your route. Taking a well-lit route home when walking may prevent an attack and knowing the area will help you should you need to flee.

How do I keep attackers out?

Security, especially in residence halls or apartments, is a team effort that requires a few basic principles that all members of the household or suite should follow.

Firstly, do not let strangers in behind you when entering your building. If someone claims that they have lost or left behind their ID card or access card, walk away unless you know for sure that they live in the same building that you do. Make sure to also call the resident advisor or supervisor to let them know of the suspicious person.

Secondly, do not answer the door by yourself unless you know who it is. Opening the door to strangers may allow a potential attacker inside your home or room. This applies especially to delivery or repairmen. If you or your roommates are not expecting a package or repairman, do not let them in. n