Creating a Safety Plan
Safety Planning
Creating a safety plan can help mitigate risk in several situations. Sexual violence occurring is not an indication that your safety plan has failed, as it is never your fault if sexual violence happens to you.
In general
- Program the campus security number into your cellphone for easy access
- Consider disabling the functions on social media sites (e.g., Facebook) so that you are not publicly sharing your location.
- Memorize a few emergency numbers (including friends and/or family) in case your phone dies.
- Memorize the address of a trusted person’s address in case you need to go to a safe place.
If you are walking…
- Ensure that your cell phone is easily accessible and charged
- Be aware of the Emergency call boxes on campus and residence hall grounds that are connected to the University Police Department. You can find the locations on this map.
- Take major, public paths rather than less populated shortcuts
- Avoid dimly lit places and talk to campus services if lights need to be installed in an area
- Only use headphones in one ear, if you need to listen to music, so that you can be more aware of your surroundings
- If you are walking on campus late at night, try to walk with a friend or contact the University Police for escort.
- Carry a noisemaker (e.g., whistle) that you can use to get attention from others when in danger.
- If you feel unsafe, contact Shocker Safe Ride (315-978-7433) for a free ride home.
If you are driving…
- Keep your doors locked.
- Have extra car necessities (oil, jumper cables, etc.).
- Have at least half tank of gas in your car.
- Have your keys ready when you go to unlock your car.
If you are taking the shuttle bus…
- Be alert at bus stops.
- Use the bus schedule to avoid long waiting time at a stop.
- If someone is bothering you on the bus, tell the driver.
- If you feel uneasy about getting off at your usual stop, stay on the bus until the next stop or wait until the bus goes around to your usual stop the second time.
If you are staying in campus housing…
- Lock your door and windows when you are asleep and when you leave the room.
- Alert housing staff, resident assistant, or trusted authority figure, or police if someone constantly prop open the main door to your residence.
If you are out in a social setting…
- Stay with a group of people you trust.
- Do not leave your drink unattended. Bring your drinks along with you if you need to step away. If you left your drink unattended, get a new drink when you return.
- Keep track of the number of drinks you have had.
- Avoid giving out personal information such as contact number and address. If you are interested in maintaining contact with a new acquaintance, ask for his/her number instead.
- Trust you instinct. If you feel unsafe, leave the situation immediately. Make an excuse (e.g., urgent phone call, feeling unwell) to exit.
Adapted from Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN)
