No one knows exactly how many assaults occur on campus because many people who are assaulted never report the incident. Nevertheless, reported incidents happen often enough to elicit an ample amount of concern on campus and its surrounding areas.
This does not mean, however, that students should live in fear. Far from it. Students should remain vigilant in the face of all potential dangers, alert and aware to their surroundings and those around them, especially at night.
Recently, we were reminded that attempted assaults by strangers still occur in the campus neighborhoods. On Thursday, May 3, a man grabbed a woman near Barnhart; the woman was able to run away unscathed, but, once again, the incident raised the issue of campus safety. For years, the Pioneer Cemetery behind the Knight Library was the site of a spate of attacks. Likewise, in many of those instances, the assaulted were able to fight back.
In the majority of cases, the Department of Public Safety will not be immediately available to help. In these and all cases, a working knowledge of self-defense techniques is invaluable.
In his capacity as a Public Safety officer, Cpl. Royce Myers taught a free three-hour self-defense class last week. At the event, Royce emphasized staying alert. “This isn’t a class to encourage people to go out and be confrontational,” Myers said. “That’s not the case. Anything can happen to anyone, anytime, anyplace.”
It is important to remind students of this fact; a false sense of security can create a level of complacency that hurts the campus. Educating students about how to defend themselves empowers them within an environment that cannot guarantee their safety.
We extend our thanks to Myers for taking on this incredibly important issue on campus. More programs on campus should follow in Myers’ example and create more opportunities to learn about self-defense.
According to the American Association of University Women, taking self-defense classes is one of the best ways for women to lower the chances of an assault occurring. Jocelyn A. Hollander, an associate professor of sociology at the University, wrote in the journal Violence Against Women that self-defense classes are often life transforming experiences because they address the issues of fear of self, fear of sexual assault and gender.
Of course, even the best self-defense classes and the most intimate knowledge of campus will not prevent all attacks. It is just as important to report all attacks, attempted attacks or suspicious activity. Taking advantage of student-provided services, like the Designated Driver Shuttle and the Assault Prevention Shuttle, is an additional step students can take to ensure their safety.
We cannot expect DPS to be everywhere at every time. Students, too, must take the initiative to educate themselves on defensive techniques and look after each other’s well-being.
Students should be vigilant against abuse
Daily Emerald
May 15, 2007
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