NCJ Number
205369
Date Published
March 2004
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This guide is intended for college and university students and provides a list of safety tips in protecting oneself from becoming a victim of crime.
Abstract
Crime statistics indicate that one in three students will become a victim while studying at a college or university. Students are sometimes identified as easy targets for victimization. To help students protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime, this survival guide was developed. Several items are suggested to be included in one’s survival kit, such as quality door and window locks, map of the campus, personal alarm, door chain, list of emergency contacts, separate record of credit and bank card and account numbers, spare keys, and a steering wheel lock. Suggestions are provided in protecting oneself from being considered an easy target, such as carry ones wallet out of sight, keep bags and purses closed, have house keys ready, walk confidently, be aware of ones surroundings, and steer clear of a confrontation. When attending a party or nightclub, one should not accept a drink from a stranger, not share or swap drinks, not leave a drink unattended, and always look out for each other. A question and answer section assists in ones understanding of various illegal drugs and the risks and effects of taking specific drugs. In addition suggestions are provided on protecting ones personal belongings, such as laptops, mobile phones, and cars. A special section with extra safety tips is dedicated to assisting international students who may be new to the culture where they are attending school. The guide concludes with additional resource information to further assist students in protecting themselves from victimization.