Information & Resources for

College Campus Safety

Our Campus Safety page is committed to promoting a secure environment within colleges and universities. Here, you'll discover vital insights into identifying abusive behaviors and the red zone phenomenon, practical bystander tips to empower individuals, and invaluable resources tailored for educators. Let's collaborate to raise awareness, offer support, and build a campus community dedicated to fostering safety and well-being in environments that reject sexual violence and abusive behaviors.

College women are twice as likely to be sexually assaulted than robbed.

More than 50% of college sexual assaults occur in either August, September, October, or November.

57% of college students say it’s difficult to identify dating abuse.

57% of college students who reported dating violence experiencing it while in college.

43%of dating college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.

College Safety ↘

Dating and Sexual Violence occur everywhere, colleges and universities are no exception.

Dating and Sexual Violence is a prevalent issue on college campuses, encompassing various forms such as dating abuse, rape, sexual assault, and stalking. Despite the expectation of safety, campuses can become breeding grounds for such violence and can pose significant challenges for students seeking protection and support.

The dynamics of dating and sexual violence at the university level are complex and troubling, and victims often face fears and barriers to coming forward. The university environment can exacerbate these fears, with victims feeling pressured to maintain their social reputation or fearing repercussions from prominent figures on campus. Social media amplifies the risk, enabling covert bullying and threats, further isolating victims. Additionally, many students are also away from home for the first time and may feel isolated from their trusted support networks, especially family.

Instances of violence on college campuses are alarmingly common, with approximately 20% of college students admitting to being abused by an intimate partner, 13% of students experience rape or sexual assault, and 6% experience stalking while in college.

It's crucial for students to know how to seek help if they're experiencing dating or sexual violence. Most colleges and universities have resources dedicated to supporting survivors of violence, including counseling services, confidential hotlines, and advocacy programs. Additionally, local community organizations and law enforcement agencies can provide assistance and support. Students are encouraged to reach out to these resources for confidential support, information on legal options, and assistance in developing safety plans. No one should have to navigate the aftermath of violence alone, and there are compassionate professionals ready to provide help and support every step of the way.

  • Reach out to campus resources: Most colleges and universities have dedicated resources for survivors of dating and sexual violence, such as counseling services, confidential hotlines, and advocacy programs. These resources can provide support, information, and guidance on next steps.

    Reach out to local Crisis Centers: If you are unsure about contacting our campus resources, there are many local organizations like YWCA ENID’s Crisis Center who can help with safety planning, accessing medical care, and navigating legal options.

    Seek medical attention: If you've experienced physical or sexual violence, it's important to seek medical attention or have a SANE Exam as soon as possible. Campus health services or local medical facilities can provide medical care, support, and resources for survivors of abuse.

    Request a schedule or housing change: If you have classes with the perpetrator or live in the same building, you can request a change from your college administration. Federal laws, such as the Campus SaVE Act, require colleges to honor these requests.

  • Dating abuse, sexual violence, and stalking can have unique dynamics and challenges for college students due to the specific environment and circumstances of college life:

    Dating Abuse: Dating abuse among college students can involve controlling behaviors, emotional manipulation, and physical violence within romantic relationships. In college, students may experience dating abuse while navigating new relationships, social dynamics, and increased independence. They may also face additional challenges in recognizing and addressing abusive behaviors, especially if they are away from familiar support networks.

    Sexual Violence: Sexual violence on college campuses encompasses a range of behaviors, including rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. College students may be at a higher risk of sexual violence due to factors such as alcohol and drug use, social gatherings, and campus living arrangements. Moreover, reporting and seeking support for incidents of sexual violence can be complicated by concerns about confidentiality, stigma, and fear of repercussions within the college community.

    Stalking: Stalking involves unwanted and repeated attention or harassment that causes fear or distress to the victim. College students may experience stalking from current or former intimate partners, acquaintances, or strangers. Stalking behaviors can be facilitated by social media, campus technology, and campus living arrangements, making it difficult for students to escape the harassment. Additionally, students may be unaware of available resources and legal protections for addressing stalking behavior on campus.

  • For college students seeking to leave an abusive relationship, it's imperative to take decisive steps towards liberation. Ending ties with an abusive partner can be immensely challenging, particularly when emotions are entangled. While it's natural to feel a sense of longing, it's crucial to remain steadfast in your decision to break free. Prioritize your own well-being above all else.

    When you've made the decision to exit the relationship, it's vital to resist any attempts by your partner to manipulate or coerce you into staying. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, whether for yourself or others, seek immediate assistance from a trusted adult. Your safety is paramount, so don't hesitate to lean on your support networks, whether it's your parents, friends, or other trusted individuals.

    If confronting your partner in person seems risky, explore alternative communication methods like calling, texting, or emailing. Remember, you deserve to feel safe and respected in your relationships. Abuse is never acceptable, and you have every right to seek a healthier, more supportive environment.

    Know that you're not alone in this journey, and there are numerous people and resources available to offer support. Confide in someone you trust, whether it's a parent, friend, or healthcare provider. Seeking guidance from a therapist can also provide invaluable assistance as you navigate the emotional aftermath of abuse.

  • Alcohol use does not cause sexual assault or dating violence but it can be a major contributing factor.

    Research studies have found that about half of sexual assaults on college campuses involve a situation in which the perpetrator, the victim, or both were consuming alcohol. Sexual assaults were more likely to occur in settings where alcohol was consumed (e.g., parties, bars). Sexual assaults involving alcohol more often occur among individuals who know each other casually as acquaintances, rather than among individuals in romantic relationships.

    Several decades of research have demonstrated that alcohol can increase the likelihood of intimate partner violence. Perpetrators might also use alcohol as a means to justify their behavior or diminish their level of responsibility.

  • Visit our Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Information and Resource pages to learn more.

The Red Zone ↘

The Red Zone is the period of time from the beginning of fall semester to Thanksgiving break when sexual assaults on U.S. college campuses spike.

While Sexual assault is NEVER the victims fault, there are ways to reduce your risk for many different types of crimes, including sexual violence during (and outside of) the Red Zone:

Get to know your campus. Walk around and visit the whole campus. Where area areas that are open and have plenty of lights? What paths feel safest to you? Where is the most lit parking?

Never leave your dorm without your phone and keys. A whistle would also be great to have on your keychain for getting the attention of others and calling for help

Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid playing loud music or looking down at your phone while walking out in public. Stick to well-traveled and populated routes. At night, pick the path with the most light.

Make a plan. Plan out the evening with trusted friends. Know how you are going to get safely to and from your destination. If your plans change, make sure to tell the people in your group. Don’t leave someone stranded in an unfamiliar or unsafe situation.

Protect your Drink. Never drink anything you did not see being made, and Never leave your drink unattended. Keep track of how many drinks you had and know your limit.

It’s okay to lie. If you want to exit a situation immediately and are concerned about frightening or upsetting someone, it’s okay to lie for your or your friends safety.

Use the buddy system. You agree to look out for each other. If someone has to use the bathroom, step out side for air, or wants to leave, you agree to always be together.

Review your Social Media Privacy Settings. Consider making your profile private or don’t tag locations to photos you post online until you’re no longer at the location.

Keep Friends/Family In the Know. If you’re away from home, it’s always a good idea to let your friends or family know where you are and where you will be. This way, they won’t worry that you went missing unwillingly.

Stay safe in your dorm room. Keep your dorm room locked at all times. Keep your curtains drawn when you are changing clothes. Stow away valuable items.

Lastly, trust your gut! If something/someone doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

For Bystanders↘

It is up to each of us to intervene and interrupt behaviors that contribute to the violence that occurs during (and outside of) the Red Zone weeks.

We have the opportunity to intervene in three places in time:

  • Before violent behavior occurs, by fostering environments that reject sexual violence or abusive behaviors

  • During instances of violence or related behaviors, intervening in the moment

  • After the violence or the behavior occurs, we can believe and support survivors

the 4Ds of Intervention:

  • Distract: Interrupt with unrelated actions or requests, like pretending to be friends or seeking help finding something. This technique breaks the flow of potential violence, allowing for escape or intervention.

  • Direct: Confront the behavior directly, naming it and explaining why it's unacceptable. Offer assistance to the person affected and engage either the target or the perpetrator, especially if you know them.

  • Delegate: Involve others better equipped to handle the situation, like friends, supervisors, or authorities. Delegation is useful when you feel unsafe or unsure how to intervene alone.

  • Delay: If immediate action isn't possible, check back later to offer support and resources. Engage in conversations about the behavior and its impact, ensuring the person knows they have support.

For Educators↘

It’s crucial to talk to your students about safety and campus resources.

By engaging in safety education, college students acquire the tools to make informed choices regarding their relationships and understand the principles of healthy relationship dynamics. This equips them with the confidence to establish boundaries, assert their needs, recognize warning signs, and navigate intricate interpersonal interactions with greater effectiveness, while also providing access to college resources for additional support..

  • Our presentations are for all ages, spanning Elementary to University students. The importance of healthy relationships at all levels is stressed, as dating interactions are not the only relationship focused on. Healthy relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and peers are also discussed with students.

    Our presentation includes:

    *Healthy Relationship Fundamentals

    *Developing Healthy Communication & Trust

    *Identifying Healthy & Unhealthy Boundaries (Emotional & Physical)

    *Digital Boundaries (Including Internet Safety & the Consequences of Sending Inappropriate Material, as age-appropriate)

    *Understanding Manipulation & Controlling Behaviors

    *Red Flags in Relationships – How to Spot Them & Seek Help

    *Brief Overview of YWCA Services – Youth Services like Project Cinderella & Counseling

    *Q&A Activity to Test their Knowledge

  • As instances of sexual assault rise, so does the risk of declining enrollment. A study revealed that 34.1% of individuals who encountered sexual victimization dropped out of university. Incidents of crime on campus can tarnish a university's reputation, resulting in diminished applications and lower enrollment figures.

    Parents are likely to express concerns about their child's safety when they learn of an increase in sexual violence within a school community. This heightened awareness may deter prospective students from applying.

    Furthermore, decreases in applications, enrollment, and graduation rates could lead to funding cuts for school initiatives. This financial strain may impede the hiring of additional staff or the development of new programs.

  • Staying informed about campus activity during high risk period is vital. “The red zone” signifies a surge in assaults and other crimes in or around college premises. It's imperative for educators to educate students on safety measures during this time.

    Offer mandatory consent education workshops during orientation to provide students with a clear understanding of what consent means and how to obtain it, sexual assault, and available post-assault services and reporting options. Provide ongoing education throughout the academic year to reinforce the importance of consent and healthy relationships.

    Implement strong safety protocols to prevent violence, ensure students have clear and easy access to campus policies and comprehensive support resources, including YWCA Enid’s SANE program, and establish a confidential reporting system for instances of sexual misconduct.

FAQs

  • Fear of Retaliation: Students may fear retaliation or further harm from their abuser if they report the abuse. This fear can be heightened if the abuser is a peer, friend, or someone with authority or influence within the college community.

    Social Stigma: There is often a stigma surrounding victims of abuse, which can lead students to fear judgment or disbelief from others if they come forward. This stigma may be especially pronounced in college environments where social status and reputation can feel particularly important.

    Concerns about Privacy: Many students may worry about their privacy and confidentiality if they report abuse. They may fear that their personal information will be shared without their consent or that they will be forced to disclose their experiences to others.

    Lack of Awareness: Some students may not recognize that what they are experiencing constitutes abuse, especially if the abuse is emotional or psychological rather than physical. They may also be unaware of the resources and support services available to them on campus and in the community.

    Normalization of Behavior: In some cases, students may have grown accustomed to abusive behavior in their relationships or may believe that it is a normal or expected part of dating or college life. This normalization can make it difficult for students to recognize the need for intervention or support.

  • Women Ages 18-24 are 3-4X more likely to be a victim of Sexual Violence than women of any other age.

    3% of all students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation (among all graduate and undergraduate students).

    Among graduate and professional students, 9.7% of females and 2.5% of males experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.

    Among undergraduate students, 26.4% of females and 6.8% of males experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.

    5.8% of students have experienced stalking since entering college.

    Male college-aged students (18-24) are 78% more likely than non-students of the same age to be a victim of rape or sexual assault.

    Female college-aged students (18-24) are 20% less likely than non-students of the same age to be a victim of rape or sexual assault.

    College women are twice as likely to be sexually assaulted than robbed.

    About 1 in 5 college-aged female survivors received assistance from a victim services agency.

    23.1% of TGQN (transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming) college students have been sexually assaulted.

    Only 20% of female student victims, age 18-24, report to law enforcement.