There’s no way around it, college rape statistics are disturbing.

• One in four college women will be sexually assaulted on a college campus.
• One in eight women will be raped while in college.
• College women are most vulnerable to rape during the first few weeks of the freshman and sophomore years.
• 78% of the men identified (as rapists) were an acquaintance, friend or boyfriend of the victims.
• 51 - 60% of college men report they would rape a woman if they were certain that they could get away with it.
  (College rape statistics source source 2)

There are things that women can proactively do to prevent being a victim of sexual assault while in college. Here are some back to school tips on how to stay safe in college.

1. Take a self defense class. Learn how to defend yourself from someone who tries to attack you. Carry pepper spray and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
2. Watch your drink at parties. The unfortunate reality is that there are rapists who drug college girls’ drinks to prevent you from fighting back. To stay safe, avoid the punch bowl, don’t leave your drink alone, and take care in accepting drinks from strangers.
3. Avoid excessive drinking. We all know that alcohol can impair our judgment. Drinking too much can place you in a very vulnerable situation where your ability to resist sexual advances is limited.
4. Have a buddy system. Having someone to look out for you at a party will help improve your chances of safety. Keep them in your line of sight.
5. If you feel unsafe, leave. Always trust your gut. If you’re at a party and start feeling unsafe, call a friend or a taxi and leave.
6. Report the crime. Unfortunately only 10% of college women who are raped actually report the crime to the authorities. Since many sexual predators rape more than one woman, reporting them to the authorities will help prevent them from hurting anyone else. If you have been a victim of a sexual assault, bring a supportive friend with you to the police station to report the crime.