Safety and Prevention

How to Reduce Your Risk of Becoming a Victim

What should I do if I become a victim?

General Safety Tips

  • Always be aware of your surroundings
  • Walk with confidence. The more confident you look, the stronger you appear.
  • Don't let drugs or alcohol could your judgment.
  • Be assertive-don't let anyone violate your space.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, leave.
  • Lock your door and your windows.
  • Watch your keys. Don't put your name and address on them. Don't lend them. Don't leave them. Don't lose them.
  • Watch out for unwanted visitors.
  • Be wary of isolated spots, like underground garages, offices after business hours and public laundry rooms.
  • Vary your route when jogging or walking. Stay in well-traveled and well lit areas.
  • Keep your car in good shape with plenty of fuel.
  • In case of car trouble, call for help on your cell phone. If you don't have a phone, put the hood up, lock the doors, and put a banner in the rear mirror that says, "Help. Call police."


Campus Safety Tips

For FSU campus crime awareness, click here.

  • Keep doors and windows locked
  • Do not answer knocks at your door without first checking to see who it is.
  • Require ID from strangers.
  • Never leave notes/messages on your door since they advertise that you're away, where you are, and/or when you plan to return.
  • Use initials on mailboxes and door hangers.
  • Use curtains for privacy.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Report suspicious people in your building, on your hall, etc.
  • When jogging, taking walks, etc., let someone know the path you intend to travel
  • Keep hands free of excessive packages.
  • Never enter your room if it has been left open, if you feel forced entry has occurred. Call RA, Hall Director and/or DPS immediately.
  • Double date if blind dating.
  • Never let another student into the building without asking for their ID or whether or not they are a resident in the hall.

Safety at Parties

  • Do not leave your drink unattended.
  • Do not accept a drink from someone unless you watch it being made.
  • Do not drink a friends drink.
  • Travel in groups or pairs, don't go out by yourself.
  • Don't take drinks from large, open containers.
  • If you are in a conversation, and your attention has been averted, put your hand over your drink.
  • If you feel like you are becoming severely intoxicated after only one or two drinks, then get help.
  • Beware if someone wants you to go outside to get some fresh air, especially if it is someone you just met.

Automobile Safety Tips

  • Have your keys in hand upon going to your car.
  • Don't walk to your car digging in your purse or handbag looking for keys, cell phones, etc.
  • Keep car doors locked at all times, while driving and parking.
  • Park in well lit areas that are highly visible.
  • Be watchful of activity, people and cars around you.
  • Keep gas in your car.
  • Do not accept rides from strangers.
  • Don't pick up hitchhikers.
  • Don't leave house keys attached to car keys when having your car serviced or at a parking garage.

Telephone Safety Tips

  • Report obscene phone calls to the police.
  • Don't reveal your name or number if it is a wrong number.
  • Never give out personal information over the phone.

Other Safety Resources
FSU Office of Student Conduct Sexual Assault Policy
FSU Department of Public Safety
Sexual Assault Risk Reduction Strategies