(Posted 2025 March)
Campus violence is a legitimate worry for the roughly 72 million students enrolled in colleges and universities in this country. That violence includes sexual violence. Studies show if you're a college student or college-age adult, you're at particularly high risk of being sexually assaulted, likely by someone you know. This is what else studies tell us:
- Women ages 18 to 24 are at elevated risk of sexual violence.
- Among undergraduate students, 26.4 percent of women and 6.8 percent of men experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.
- 13 percent of all undergraduate and graduate students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.
- Among graduate and professional students, 9.7 percent of women and 2.5 percent of men experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.
- Sexual violence is more prevalent at college than other crimes.
Of course, safety can't be guaranteed; sexual violence can happen to anyone. But there are a few things you can do to help reduce your risk for many different types of crimes, including sexual violence:
Trust your gut. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in any situation—even if you don’t know why—trust your instincts and leave. Don’t worry about what anyone else may think. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Prioritize your safety.
Stay alert. Walking onto a college campus can make you feel free. It can also foster a false sense of security. But you just met these people. Be on the lookout for red flags, and don't apologize for your boundaries, values, or preferences.
Travel in groups. Predators are deterred by groups. Take notice if someone appears intent on separating you or a friend from the group. Especially be alert if friends seem intoxicated; they may not be equipped to make safe decisions. If you think a friend has been drugged or needs medical attention, call 911.
Stay in touch. You’re in college and you’re an adult, but we would give this same advice to a 40-year-old not in college: Always let someone know where you are, when to expect you back, and how to reach you. Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a charger or backup battery with you. Leverage apps like FindMy, Snapchat, and Uber to share your location with select friends or family.
Lie if you must. We wouldn’t suggest telling lies for any old reason, but if it's the only way to get out of a potentially unsafe situation, tell a whopper. Also, remember: "No" is a complete sentence. If someone is pressuring you, don't hesitate to use your no as justification for leaving the scene. A person who ignores a no is a person you should avoid.
Manage your online life. Don’t put all your business online. Predators can track your online life like breadcrumbs, figuring out where you live, work, and play, so limit the information they can access. Some simple steps include making your accounts private and removing personal details like your last name and hometown.
See something, say something. If you stumble across a questionable situation, intervene. Some situations can be resolved by asking, “What’s happening?” or “Do you need help?” If your intuition is telling you not to draw attention to yourself, contact your resident assistant or campus police or call 911.
Party smart. Guard your drinks and food; avoid open containers and unknown substances; keep track of what you’ve consumed so you can stay in control; have a plan to get home safely with a sober friend, cab, or rideshare.
Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to what’s going on around you. Try to take well-trafficked routes and avoid being isolated with someone you don’t know well. Many campuses even provide you with a public safety escort after dark.
Keep it simple. The simplest safety protocols are often the most effective, like locking your doors and windows, keeping your porch lights turned on, and not hiding your spare key under a doormat or fake rock. If the main door to your dorm is often propped open, tell security.
Whether you're seeking help for yourself or a loved one, the most important things to remember: Sexual violence is not your fault, and you are not alone. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services can help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, our advocates can offer support, education, and help with safety planning. Call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273 for more information. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
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