After getting numerous BU Campus Alerts throughout the past two months, I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking, what the heck is going on in Bloomsburg these days?! Between February and March we have had around six safety issues occur. Most recently, on March 5th, two males robbed a student at knifepoint near the Honeysuckle Apartments. We also have been alerted for a male walking on campus with a knife and a few sexual assaults. We weren’t alerted but have probably heard of the two Susquehanna University football players who stole from students in the dorms in February. Most impactful, we all are aware of the horrible fight that occurred and left two of our own students, Jackie Lithgow and Donald Hoover, critically injured.
It’s hard to believe that these things are occurring in our town since we always assume it’s safe but the fact is that they are happening. It is especially important that we as girls keep ourselves as safe as possible in these situations because the reality is we are the ones who are usually targeted for the sexual assaults. So, what can we do?
Don’t go anywhere alone!
Buddy system, girls! Whether you’re walking on campus or in town make sure you have at least one person with you. Someone is less likely to come up to you when you’re surrounded by others than if you are walking by yourself. It doesn’t matter when it is either – during the day, at night or on the weekends especially!
Be AlertBeing with someone when you’re walking is safer than walking by yourself. However, you still need to be aware of your surroundings. Just because you are with someone doesn’t mean you should shut the rest of the world out. Make sure you are always aware of what is going on around you.
Keep your phone hiddenHaving your phone out while walking home at night shows the person who is trying to attack you that you have something valuable for them to take. Keep your phone accessible either in your pocket or bag but make sure it is hidden so you don’t become an immediate target.
Carry mace/pepper spray with you
If you don’t have any, get some! This small spray can be carried in any book bag, purse, pocket or wristlet so there’s no excuse not to have one. You definitely need to make sure you know how to use it though too! You can get mace at Walmart.
Emergency/Call Box on Campus
I’m sure you’ve all seen the blue lights on campus located different places such as the bus stops and cat walk. If you are feeling unsafe or see someone doing something wrong don’t be afraid to hit that button. They’re there to help you so if you need to, use it.
Party SmartA lot of the sexual assaults have been happening on the weekends so make sure that when you do go out, if you are drinking you are doing so responsibly. Keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended. When you’re walking back to your house or back to the dorms make sure you are walking with someone because being intoxicated makes you an easier target.
Let GoIf someone comes up to you and tries to take something, let them! Your belongings such as book bags, money, cellphones, etc. are a lot less valuable than your life!!!
Lock it up!Keep everything locked in your room. If you are living in a house or apartment and leave make sure you lock not only the house but your individual room as well. If you are at the library or somewhere on campus, don’t leave your things unattended – take your stuff with you or have a friend watch it.
Check out the safety information on the BU website.