- 90% of self-defense education is about knowing risks.
- Maintain sobriety. Staying sober reduces your risk.
- Observe the drug/alcohol use of dates. Intoxication can bring out the worst.
- Watch your drinks! "Date rape drugs" such as Rohypnol are real. They incapacitate victims and can create amnesia.
- Communicate clearly with dates. Body language may seem perfectly clear to you, but not to your date. Assert yourself firmly and be wary of anyone who tries to talk you into something you're not comfortable with.
- Listen to your "gut feeling." Instincts are very important.
- Avoid pairing off with someone at a party in order to be alone in a room. Rapes often occur during loud parties.
- Avoid someone who doesn't respect your caution and your limits.
Campus Safety
R.A.D. Self-Defense
Rape Aggression Defense Systems (R.A.D.) is the largest women's-only self-defense program in North America with more than 2,000 instructors who have trained more than 80,000 women.
R.A.D. is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self defense tactics. In addition, there are discussions about avoidance techniques through self-awareness, prevention and risk reduction.
R.A.D. Basic Course
The R.A.D. course is a ½ credit hour course, which consists of a minimum of 12 hours. The course is broken down into four, three-hour sessions over a four-week period.
To register for a R.A.D. class or to find out more information, please contact the Athletic Department Administrative Assistant at (610) 896-1117 or contact any of the R.A.D. Instructors:
Tips for Personal Safety
In order for a crime to occur, there must be a victim, a perpetrator and an opportunity. Most crime prevention is geared towards removing the opportunity.
Blue Light Special
Dial campus numbers from Blue Light Phones all over campus or press the red button to connect to Campus Safety's emergency line immediately.
- General Tips
In Your DormOn The Street
- Keep your doors locked. If you return home to your dorm and notice that the exterior or floor door is propped open, secure it. If you are on a ground floor or your room is directly off a fire escape, make sure your windows are locked when you leave your room.
- If you return home after being out and something seems out of the ordinary, call Campus Safety at 1111. Let Campus Safety staff enter first and check your suite or room.
- Draw shades and curtains in the evenings.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid walking alone at night. When you're on campus, call for an escort if someone cannot walk with you.
- If you believe that you are being followed, walk quickly to areas where there are lights and people. If a car is following you, change directions and seek help. There are emergency Blue Light phones located outside of most dormitories and campus buildings.
- If you are in trouble, attract help any way that you can. Scream, yell "FIRE," call for help, and draw attention to yourself.
- Walk confidently at a steady pace. Look like you know where you are going and that you're not a person to be taken lightly. Studies show that a perpetrator's perception of a potential victim can influence the course of events.
Rape on Campus
In most cases, rape on a college campus occurs between people who know each other. Rapes usually happen in the home of the victim or perpetrator and very often drugs or alcohol is involved. Rape is never the victim's fault. Crime prevention tips and ideas are offered to help people be safe. Nothing is guaranteed to keep one safe, but using common sense, paying attention to "inner voices" or gut feelings, and being smart about your personal safety can help keep you safe.