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RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, today released helpful safety tips for college students going back to school. College aged students are at the highest risk for being sexually assaulted; the majority of rapes are committed by someone who the victim knows. Being aware of this risk, looking out for your friends and using a bit of common sense are often the first steps in staying safe.

This year’s Safety Tips focus on practical things students can do to keep themselves and their friends safe. Our tips go beyond standard campus resources, like campus security escort teams, vans, emergency phones, etc. and emphasize the risks that exist from those other than stranger attacks.

“While you can’t prevent a perpetrator from committing an act of sexual violence, practical steps can be taken to improve safety and reduce risk,” said Katherine Hull, spokesperson for RAINN. “It’s important for students to be made aware of these possible risks, look out for one another, use common sense and know how and where to get help if they need it.”

Trust your instincts and be yourself. If you feel unsafe, or even uncomfortable, in any situation, go with your gut. Don’t worry about what others think; your own safety comes first.

Use your cell phone as a tool. Make sure it’s fully charged before you leave home and if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, shoot a quick text for a “friend-assist.” Make a plan before you go out just in case your phone dies, so you can meet up with your friends at a specific location at a certain time.

Be careful when leaving status or away messages online and when using the “check-in” feature on Facebook or Foursquare. Leaving information about your whereabouts reveals details that are accessible to everyone. Use common sense so that someone can’t track your every move. If you wouldn’t give the information to a stranger, then don’t put it on your online profile.

Wait to let your guard down until people earn your trust. A college campus can foster a false sense of security. Don’t assume people you’ve just met will look out for your best interests; remember that they are essentially strangers.

Don’t be afraid to hurt someone’s feelings. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation it’s OK to lie. Make up an excuse as to why you have to go. It’s better to make up a reason to leave than to stay in a possibly dangerous situation. Your safety comes before someone else’s feelings.

If you see something, say something! Intervene if a situation seems questionable or if someone’s safety is at risk. By taking action you can prevent a crime from being committed. Remember you can also contact your resident assistant or campus police.

Stick with your friends and watch out for each other. Arrive together, check in with one another throughout the night, and leave together. Think twice about going off alone and if, for whatever reason, you have to separate from your friends, let them know where you are going and who you are with.

Drink responsibly and know your limits. Don’t accept drinks from people who you don’t know or trust and never leave your drink unattended. If you have left your drink alone, get a new one. Always watch your drink being prepared. At parties, stick to drinks you got or prepared yourself instead of common open containers like punch bowls.

Watch out for your friends. If a friend seems out of it, is way too intoxicated for the amount of alcohol they’ve had, or is acting out of character, get him or her to a safe place. If you suspect that you or a friend has been drugged, call 911. Be explicit with doctors so they can administer the correct tests.

Be aware of your surroundings. Whether you’re walking home from the library or at a party be mindful of potential risks. Get to know your campus and learn a well-lit route back to your dorm or place of residence. Think of a safe exit strategy. Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?

“Jeans for Justice” is a mobile art display sponsored by S.A.F.E., Inc. and created by residents of northeast Mississippi. The purpose is to express feeling about violence and to let people know that that we as citizens of northeast Mississippi do not condone behavior that leads to or encourages any kind of violence, abuse, or assault. You can visit “Jeans for Justice” in Itawamba County through August, in New Albany in September and Belmont in October. Check into the local library to find out more.

"Jeans for Justice" is a mobile art display sponsored by S.A.F.E., Inc. and created by residents of northeast Mississippi. The purpose is to express feeling about violence and to let people know that that we as citizens of northeast Mississippi do not condone behavior that leads to or encourages any kind of violence, abuse, or assault.

Donate Jeans or Art Supplies: Making art can be expensive, so if you have an extra pair of jeans, a damaged pair of jeans that are not able to be worn, or extra art supplies (paint, brushes, hot glue, appliqués, ribbons, etc.) we could really use them! There is currently a drop box at the Lee county Library.

Visit Jeans for Justice Displays: Itawamba County Library, DHS and Community Development Council host displays  in August, New Albany Library in September and the Belmont Library in October. If you would like to host a display or if you know of a place where you would like to see the jeans let us know!

Photo by Christy Knapp

Mary Katherine Spencer from S.A.F.E., Inc. and the staff of the the new Oxford, Mississippi Verizon Store at their ribbon cutting ceremony July 22, 2011. Verizon makes a donation to help eliminate domestic violence and serve victims each time they open a new corporate location. Follow the link below to learn about HopeLine®, Verizon’s community service project that turns no-longer used cell phones into support for domestic violence victims and survivors.

Photo by Christy Knapp

Mary Katherine Spencer from S.A.F.E., Inc., and Lori Anne Singleton, District Manager of Retail Sales at Verizon, holding a one thousand dollar donation presented to S.A.F.E., Inc. as a part of their community project HopeLine® to end domestic violence. In then background, you will see a HopeLine box where no-longer used cell phones can be turned into into support for domestic violence victims and survivors.

CLICK HERE to learn about HopeLine®,

Verizon’s community service project !