It’s late at night as you drag yourself from a study session at the library. You’re walking back to the dorms or maybe to your car, when out of the darkness, unseen arms grab you like a vice. What do you do?
Personal safety is a key concern in any environment, even at the University. The fear of being assaulted probably weighs on the minds of many students, especially at night. Recognizing students’ need to protect themselves from possible attacks, the University offers several classes and programs on self-defense.
Currently, the physical education department has two classes dedicated completely to self-defense, as well as aikido, karate, judo and tae kwon do. Apart from the traditional martial arts, students can also learn techniques in jeet kune do, jiu jitsu, hapkido and Russian sambo, all of which are adapted to street conditions.
“We offer classes for several reasons,” physical education Associate Director Peg Rees said. “One reason is the significant student demand.” She said students not only want to learn self-defense, but also have an interest in martial arts.
Sue Doyle teaches two of the self-defense classes.
“We study a variety of different techniques,” she said. “Hopefully, out of the class, someone will find a technique that works for them.”
Students learn physical techniques like how to block, kick and apply their strength, as well as theoretical skills on awareness.
“Not to be melodramatic, but hopefully (the class) will save a few lives and give people tools and skills that help them if something should arise,” Doyle said.
University junior Lach Litwer has taken jeet kune do and Brazilian jiu jitsu at the University. He said studying martial arts makes him feel capable of protecting himself.
“Anybody who’s taken martial arts, even for a little while, gains some measure of self-confidence,” Litwer said. “I’m confident because I know what I’m capable of.”
Apart from self-defense classes, Department of Public Safety Associate Director Tom Hicks suggests other methods people can use to stay safe.
“One thing we recommend is to find a friend or a trusted person to walk with,” said Hicks, who noted that in all of the assaults that took place on campus last year, the victim was alone. He also advised students to walk on well-lit paths at night and be aware of their surroundings.
“Be confident and appear confident when you’re walking about,” Hicks said.
In case of an attack, Hicks said one’s best line of defense is noise.
“Make a lot of noise,” he said. “If someone comes from behind you, just yell, ‘No, go away.’ Just scream.” Hicks added that DPS also gives away whistles, which can be used in emergencies.
After citing research that shows it is better to resist the attacker than to submit, Hicks suggests scratching or kicking, or if the attacker is male, kneeing him in the groin. Hicks said if students choose to buy mace or pepper spray, they must know how to use these tools properly.
The DPS Web site, http://safetyweb.uoregon.edu, has more information about campus crime statistics and safety.