Young women face the highest rates of dating violence and sexual assault. Nineteen percent of women (nearly 1 in 5) report experiencing sexual assault while in college. Many of these assaults occur when the offender, often an acquaintance, has targeted and isolated a young woman in vulnerable circumstances. Dating violence also disproportionately affects young women in this demographic. Young people turn to each other for help more often than they turn to parents, but most don’t know how to intervene if a friend needs help. Moreover, sixty percent of college students who have been in an abusive relationship say no one helped them. Websites, hotlines and resources are available for those who have experienced or are currently experiencing violence and abuse.

There are tools women (and men) can use to try and protect themselves from a potential attack. For example, carrying pepper spray or a personal alarm is highly recommended. In addition, GPS trackers can assist others in locating you should you need immediate help. Always tell someone if you are going on a date, especially with someone new, and what time you expect to return. This way, if someone suspects foul play, they can give authorities this information and also let them know you have a GPS tracking device. You could also install video surveillance equipment in your dorm room or home as an added measure of security. (more…)