22 College Safety Tips To Avoid An Attack [Podcast Episode 28]
Summary
In this episode of the podcast, Mandi dives into a crucial topic: the safety of college freshmen. She highlights the prevalent issue of assaults on college campuses, both from strangers and from people the victim knows. 1 in 6 American women could become victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. College students are 3 TIMES more likely to fall victim, and a staggering 73% of victims know their attackers, a stat from RAINN.
A real-life account is shared, narrating the story of a college freshman who was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance. The host reflects on things we can learn for better outcomes. The importance of staying cautious and safeguarding drinks is stressed, along with advice on saying "no" firmly and using distractions to escape uncomfortable situations.
The host provides a comprehensive list of safety tips, including staying connected with friends, being aware of surroundings, saving emergency numbers, using campus security resources, avoiding isolation, and trusting one's intuition.
Mandi also suggests practical tools for personal protection, like pepper spray, alarms, flashlights, and even enrolling in self-defense classes, such as Krav Maga.
Ultimately, the episode aims to equip college freshmen and young adults with valuable knowledge and resources to ensure their safety and well-being in various situations.
Lessons Learned
22 College Safety Tips To Avoid An Attack
1. Don't share identifying information on social media
2. Familiarize yourself with on AND off-campus locations
3. Inform friends, RAs, and / or parents about your whereabouts
4. Save and prioritize important emergency numbers on your phone
5. Stay in well-populated areas
6. Consider using campus shuttles or security escorts
7. Trust your intuition and avoid unsafe situations
8. Know multiple exits in your surroundings
9. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid phone distractions
10. Pay attention when returning to your car
11. Park by close and well-lit areas, keep your car locked and keys handy
12. Familiarize yourself with emergency phone locations
13. Keep your phone charged and car’s gas tank full
14. Make people earn your trust before getting in a precarious situation with them
15. Lock doors and windows in your dorm room
16. Attend parties with trusted friends and protect your drink
17. Consider having a breathalyzer keychain for safety
18. Be prepared to lie or make excuses if needed
19. Practice saying "no" firmly and confidently
20. Use distractions to intervene in uncomfortable situations
21. Carry personal safety devices like pepper spray or alarms
22. Consider taking a self-defense class like Krav Maga
Resources
RAINN and sexual assault hotline
News story shared in the episode of Shannon Keeler
Breathalizer example
Personal safety devices
My book: Two Things To Know Before Buying Pepper Spray
What is Krav Maga
NEW! If you'd like to help sustain this podcast project to help empower others too, buy your host a coffee. Coffee Cheers!
You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared to tell her which of the 8 things listed are most helpful to you!
Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered. You’ll receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.
Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.
The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.
