Women's Center forum addresses personal safety
William Dowd
Issue date: 2/19/09 Section: News
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With a forum-like setting, students, administration and faculty sat as they listened to a panel of the centers representatives give tips on personal safety for combating situations that may arise were sexual assault could occur.
Furthermore, the presentation gave a brief overview of laws associated with victims of sexual assault.
Preventing sexual assault can be done through being proactive, although it's not a guarantee it can certainly decrease the chance of falling victim.
"Have you been thinking about your own safety plans?" asked Julie Condo, a representative from the center to the crowd of attendees.
According to her, sometimes people aren't aware that they should have an escape plan or way to combat becoming a victim. These types of presentations are doing just that.
"Listen to your gut feeling this may be your best defense; always lock your doors, when you go to bed take a cell phone, take a self-defense class," said Condo.
Attendees also shared their defense mechanisms for combating sexual assault, such as pulling a fire alarm, using hairspray, traveling in groups, yelling fire, using keys as a weapon and checking the back seat of your car.
"The more noise you make, the more chances they will live you alone," said Cindy Love, the director of the center.
She went on to comment about the centers openness and dedication to members of the community.
People who work at the center are well versed in dealing with situations such as these; they made it clear that anytime students need someone they can call the center.
Students should feel comfortable requesting their services.
Everything is confidential when the center works with victims.
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