Buddy-Up- One of the best ways to avoid being attacked by a stranger is to travel in numbers.
The more the merrier. If you find yourself alone, call the University Police Department
at 786-1120 and arrangements for a safety escort will be made.
Walk with confidence- Studies have shown that violent offenders will often select their victims based on
their appearance as an easy prey. A person who walks with a slouch and appears to
have a low self esteem is more likely to be attacked than a person who walks erect
and with a bold, strong stride.
Make eye contact with others- Making eye contact with others, even briefly lets them know that you are aware of
them and allows you a better chance of being able to identify a suspect later. Try
this with a friend - walk toward your friend purposely avoiding eye contact for a
bit. Then make eye contact. Both of you will feel a sudden sense of non-verbal communication
pass between you the instant your eyes meet.
Change directions-If you believe that you are being followed a quick change of direction will confirm
this or invite your would-be attacker to abandon the idea, especially if you are a
pedestrian being followed or harassed by a motorist.
Walk or run toward populated or well lit areas
Know your limitations- The key here is survival. The decision to fight an attacker is a personal one. Sometimes
it is safer to surrender your belongings or submit to being assaulted. Material things
can be replaced; physical and emotional wounds will heal - but death is final.
