A Latin@ student, Carlos, approached the staff of ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? to share an unfortunate experience he had during his final quarter at Ohio State. Carlos told Qué Pasa that he was assaulted at an off campus party during the early hours of the morning. He stated that three individuals physically attacked him, resulting in injuries that needed medical attention. Carlos said, “I always felt safe when I was close to campus or in its surroundings, and even more so when I was inside a private residence. I just thought an attack of violence could not happen to me if I was smart about it.” Carlos shared his story to help others learn from his experience and avoid situations that endanger an individual’s safety.

Ohio State University is a wonderful place to make friends, have fun and experience campus life. It is also a safe place to study, live and work. However, this overall environment can result in a false sense of security, as students may let their guard down and assume that nothing will happen to them.

Important Phone Numbers
Campus Escort Service	292-3322
Ohio State Campus Police	292-2121
Columbus Police Department	645-4545
Department of Public Safety	247-6300
Student Advocacy Center	292-1111
Counseling and Consultation Services	292-5766

The Ohio State Department of Public Safety’s 2006 Annual Report on Campus Crime provides details of the most common crimes reported on the Ohio State Columbus Campus area. In 2005, 297 occasions of burglary were reported on campus, compared with no reports of aggravated assault, 29 reports of forced sex attempts, and 10 cases of robbery. On an average day, the Department of Public Safety estimates that approximately 90,000 individuals are present on the Columbus campus. Considering its large size, the low number of reported crimes shows that Ohio State is a safe place to be.

The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety’s central concern is the safety of Ohio State students. The department stresses that the choices an individual makes play the single most important role in safety. Simply being alert to surroundings, staying out of risky or dangerous situations, and using good judgment can greatly increase personal safety.

Everyone can play an active role in being responsible for their own safety. Students can avoid walking alone and use public walkways to increase safety. If a person feels threatened or in danger, the university provides emergency telephones that have a direct line to campus police. If an individual is working late at night and does not feel safe walking alone to their campus housing, he or she can contact the Student Safety and Escort Service at (614) 292-3322. With one hour notice, the escort service can take a student back home on campus. This service is offered when classes are in session and is provided for safety reasons, not for a free ride!

Safety Tips

• Know where emergency telephones are

• Whenever possible, walk with a friend

• Use public walkways

• Make arrangements with escort service for a safe ride home

• Familiarize yourself with the rules about drinking

• Be knowledgeable about who is at parties you attend

• Stay away from uncomfortable situations

Parties are among the most enjoyable aspects of the college experience. They provide opportunities to relax, meet new people, and take a break from studies. Yet as Carlos’ experience shows, situations can quickly get out of control and become dangerous. Tempers can flare and alcohol can contribute to poor and unsafe decisions. Women should be particularly careful, as alcohol is involved in over 90 percent of rapes and sexual assaults.

Carlos’ advice can be particularly helpful to new students: “Be cautious and smart when in uncomfortable situations. Students must be careful about who enters their houses and who is at the parties they attend.” By taking an active role in your own safety and making smart choices, you can enjoy a safe and happy four years on campus. For more in-depth information, visit the Department of Public Safety’s website (http://www.ps.ohio-state.edu/).