Starting college or university is an exciting milestone, filled with new opportunities and the promise of independence. However, for many young women and female students, this transition can also bring anxiety, particularly with stories of campus-related dangers circulating in the media. While colleges and universities are generally safe environments, it’s essential to equip yourself with knowledge and strategies to stay safe. This article offers practical personal safety tips for female students and also their parents, blending helpful insights from leading safety organisations with relevant statistics from the UK, USA, and Australia:
- USA: According to RAINN (the largest anti-sexual violence organisation in the United States), female students are at a particularly high risk, with 26.4% of undergraduate women reporting some form of sexual assault during their college years.
- UK: A 2023 survey by Revolt Sexual Assault found that 62% of UK university students and recent graduates experienced sexual violence during their studies, and only 10% reported these incidents to their institutions.
- Australia: The Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2021 report revealed that 1 in 6 students were sexually harassed in a university setting, with 1 in 20 experiencing sexual assault.
While these statistics can be a little daunting, they highlight the importance of proactive safety measures and open conversations about personal safety for female students.
Personal Safety for Female Students Starts With Awareness
Your situational and environmental awareness is arguably your most powerful tool for personal safety. Being mindful of your surroundings, recognising how situations and conditions can change (sometimes within a single second), understanding potential risks, and knowing how to respond can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of physical or sexual crime. In addition to staying aware, the following recommendations are well worth your attention:
- Trust Your Instincts
Your intuition is your first line of defence. If a situation feels off, trust your intuition, your instinct, your gut feeling, and remove yourself from it. Whether it’s declining an invitation that doesn’t feel right, stepping away from a conversation that makes you uncomfortable, or leaving a location that simply has the wrong vibe, listening to your instincts, your gut feeling, is absolutely vital.
- Know Your Surroundings
Familiarise yourself with campus layouts, including emergency exits, security offices, well-lit areas, and any other safe spaces. Universities often have safety maps highlighting blue-light emergency phones and CCTV-monitored zones. Make it a habit to plan your route when walking late at night and stick to well-lit and well-trafficked areas.
- Understand Consent and Boundaries
Consent is a crucial topic for all students. In my book “NEVER A VICTIM – The Definitive Guide to Women’s Safety” I make it very clear what consent in above context means:
“What distinguishes consensual sex or gestures of affection from sexual assault is consent. Sexual consent is a free, voluntary, and informed agreement between you and another person to participate in a sexual act. It must be clearly and freely communicated. Remember, you cannot give consent if you are underage, intoxicated, incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, asleep, or unconscious. If you find yourself agreeing to an activity under pressure, intimidation, or threat, that is not true consent because it was not given freely. Be aware that unequal power dynamics, such as those between you and an employer or teacher, also invalidate consent, as it cannot be freely given in these situations. Consent is all about clear communication, and you have the right to withdraw it at any point if you feel uncomfortable. While verbally withdrawing your consent can sometimes be challenging, you can also use non-verbal cues, such as showing discomfort, to withdraw your consent.”
Parents should ensure their daughters understand the importance of clear boundaries in personal and social interactions. Universities often host workshops and resources on this subject, which can be valuable for students.
Practical Tips for Staying Safe at College or University
- Buddy Systems and Check-Ins
Establish a “buddy system” with friends. Whether attending a party, heading home from the library, or going for a jog, having someone who knows your whereabouts can be a lifesaver. Regular check-ins via text or a quick phone call can provide peace of mind.
- Smart Use of Technology
Technology can be both a risk and a safety tool. On the positive side:
- Use campus safety apps or any reputable personal safety apps, which allows you to easily and quickly share your location with trusted contacts or alert authorities in an emergency.
- Enable location-sharing features with close friends or family on apps like WhatsApp, Find My iPhone, or Google Maps.
- Be cautious about oversharing personal information on social media, which could expose your location or routine to the wrong audience. Again, technology has enabled us to communicate easier with each other and quickly call for help, however, I urge you to read my article on ‘technology-enabled abuse’, preventing you from falling victim to any related criminal offences, or, find effective solution in case you are currently experiencing such abuse.
- Alcohol Awareness
Alcohol is regretably often a factor in campus assaults. If drinking, try and pace yourself and know your limits. Don’t allow others to bully you into excessive drinking, and be aware that some might use manipulative tactics such as repeatedely offering you a free drink or extra shot. And we all will know by now, never leave your drink unattended, and if possible, opt for pre-opened or bottled beverages, or purchase one of these effective, versatile, drink covers/protectors. Stick with friends and look out for each other in all social settings. For more in-depth advice on drink spiking and alcohol awareness please visit the UK’s Drinkaware website. However, I will be writing a dedicated article about this subject shortly — so, please visit my blog again soon.
- Make Use of Campus Resources
Many colleges and universities offer several useful resources such as:
- Campus Security: Most institutions have security teams available 24/7 to escort students or respond to incidents.
- Counselling Services: For emotional support, counselling services can provide a safe space to talk about fears or incidents.
- Sexual Abuse, Violence, or Harassment Support Centres: Many universities now have specialist teams to handle cases of sexual violence or harassment.
Safety Advice for Parents of Female Students
As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your daughter’s safety while she’s away at college or university. While you can’t always be there, you can take steps to prepare and support her.
- Open and Honest Communication
Discuss personal safety openly, but avoid being overbearing. The aim is to empower your daughter with knowledge and confidence, not instil unnecessary fear. Share resources, such as campus safety information, and encourage her to voice any concerns.
- Teach Financial Safety
Help your daughter manage her finances securely to avoid risks such as theft or fraud. Encourage her to use bank apps with two-factor authentication and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Encourage Independence
Part of university life is learning to navigate challenges independently. While it’s important to be available, resist the urge to solve every problem for her. Instead, guide her toward using campus resources or reaching out to trusted friends and advisors.
Addressing Myths About Campus Safety
- “It Won’t Happen to Me”
No one is immune to risk, and crime doesn’t discriminate. Safety strategies are about being prepared, not paranoid. Encourage your daughter to see these measures as empowering rather than restrictive.
- “Strangers Are the Only Threat”
Statistics show that most campus-related sexual assaults are committed by acquaintances, not strangers. This reinforces the importance of understanding boundaries and consent in all interactions.
- “Reporting Won’t Help”
While reporting crimes can feel daunting, it’s essential for holding perpetrators accountable and improving campus safety. Colleges, universities, dedicated support organisations, and local governments have dedicated teams to support survivors through the process.
It is important to understand that college and university are a time for personal growth and discovery. By equipping you with practical knowledge, I’m encouraging your independence, fostering a culture of open communication, and helping you to navigate this transition with confidence.
Remember, safety is a shared responsibility. We all, students, parents, colleges and universities all have a role to play in creating secure and supportive environments. By taking proactive steps, we can help ensure that this phase in a young woman’s life is not only exciting and transformative but also safe and empowering.