A. SAFETY ON THE ROAD AND IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Upon parking your car, lock it with the windows up. At night, park as close as possible to lights and activity. When returning to your car, get a friend to go with you if possible. Always check the back seat (including the floor) before entering your vehicle.
- When driving, don’t stop for hitchhikers or broken-down vehicles. To help a stranded driver, use a phone and notify police.
- If you think you are being followed by a person in another vehicle, or being watched, drive to a well-lit, busy public place and call the police, or, if you can do so safely, use your cellphone to contact police while you drive to a well-lit, busy public place.
- When you arrive home, have your keys in hand as you leave the car.
- Make sure your car stays in good running condition, and you have enough gas. If you have car trouble, raise the hood or tie a handkerchief to the door handle to signal for help. Stay in the locked car, keeping the windows up. If someone stops to help, lower the window one inch and ask the person to call the police or an auto club.
- If your car has a personalized license plate, be sure it doesn’t give criminals useful information about you, such as your name or nickname.
B. SAFETY AT HOME
Assaults can occur at your residence. Practice prevention whether you live on or off campus.
- When you enter your residence, close and lock the door immediately. Use deadbolts and keep windows locked when not in use.
- Be smart about keys. Don’t leave them outside or in hiding places. Don’t lend them to anyone. If you lose your keys, change your locks. Have locks changed before you move into a new residence.
- Get to know your neighbors and find the ones you can trust in an emergency.
- Never open your door to strangers; install and use peepholes. Require proper identification from utility and repair people. If a stranger asks to use your phone, keep your door locked and offer to place the call yourself. If the situation seems suspicious, call the police immediately. Be able to describe the person when you report the incident to police.
- Don’t leave your name on your voicemail message. Agree with your roommates that none of you will give the following information to an unknown caller:
- Who is home.
- Who is not home.
- When someone will return.
- In residence halls, follow all security regulations and tell your RA about unauthorized or suspicious people.
- Make sure all entrances are well-lit.
- When walking, avoid alleys, vacant lots and shortcuts. Listen for footsteps and voices. Notice cars that pass you more than once or pull up beside you. If someone follows you, go to a public building. If someone follows you on campus, use an emergency blue phone or call UAPD by dialing 911 or 205-348-5454, and describe the vehicle and person to the UAPD communications operator.
- Avoid placing visible banners or signs on the exterior of your apartment or dwelling. This sends a signal that college-aged occupants live in the apartment or dwelling and may be away for weekends, breaks and holidays when burglars are looking for an easy opportunity.
C. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
The University expects all individuals who live, work, teach, or study here or who visit campus to contribute positively to the environment and refrain from behaviors that threaten the freedom or respect that every member of our community deserves.
The University is committed to providing an environment free from sexual misconduct which, among other things identified in UA’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, includes gender-based assault, harassment, exploitation, dating and domestic violence, and stalking, as well as discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and related retaliation.
The University encourages individuals to immediately report acts or threats of sexual misconduct referenced above to UAPD or local police authorities. All law enforcement agencies can be contacted by calling 911. UAPD may be contacted at 205-348-5454.
In addition to UAPD, individuals can report sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs, the Office of Student Conduct, or a Designated Harassment Resource Person. Confidential reporting is available, among other places, through the University’s Women & Gender Resource Center. Anonymous reports can be made via phone or email to the EthicsPoint Hotline.
For more information on the Sexual Misconduct Policy, sexual misconduct reporting options, available accommodations, safety, support, helpful resources, the criminal process, confidentiality and protection from retaliation, please visit the following websites:
The University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy also contains detailed descriptions and definitions for the following offenses under UA policy as well as federal and Alabama law: dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation, sodomy, fondling, incest and statutory rape.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT RISK REDUCTION AND PREVENTION
Anyone can be impacted by sexual misconduct. Risk reduction strategies are steps that an individual can take to lessen the likelihood that they and others will be impacted by sexual misconduct.
1. Some safe and positive options for bystander intervention include:
- Making up an excuse to get the individual out of a potentially dangerous situation.
- Letting a friend or co-worker know that an individual’s actions may lead to serious consequences.
- Never leaving an intoxicated individual’s side, despite the efforts of someone to get that individual alone or away from you.
- Using a group of friends to remind someone behaving inappropriately that their behavior should be respectful.
- Taking steps to curb someone’s use of alcohol before problems occur.
- Calling the authorities when the situation warrants.
Safety is paramount in active bystander intervention. Usually, intervening in a group is safer than intervening individually. Also, choosing a method of intervention that de-escalates the situation is safer than attempting a confrontation. However, there is no single rule that can account for every situation.
Visit the UAct website for helpful videos addressing intervention issues.
2. Common sense, situational awareness and trusting one’s instincts will reduce the risk of sexual misconduct. The tips below are provided to help students decrease the potential chance of sexual misconduct:
- If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Do not leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container.
- When you are with someone, communicate clearly to ensure he or she knows your limits and/or expectations from the beginning. Both verbal and nonverbal (body language) communication can be used to ensure the message is understood.
- If you go on a date with someone you do not know very well, tell a close friend what your plans are.
- You have the right to say “No” even if you first say “Yes,” and then change your mind; have had sex with this partner before; have been kissing or “making out”; or are wearing what is perceived to be “provocative” clothing.
- Always have extra money to get home. Have a plan for someone you can call if you need help.
- If you feel uncomfortable, scared or pressured, say “Stop it” or leave and call for help.
- When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other and leave together.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- If possible, avoid being isolated with a person you do not know or trust.
- Travel with a friend or in a group.
- Walk only in well-lit areas after dark.
- Avoid walking alone after dark or during late hours.
- Keep the doors to homes, apartments and cars locked.
- Know where phones are located.
D. HARASSMENT
The University of Alabama is committed to providing a working and learning environment that is free from illegal harassment based on race, color, religion, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or veteran status.
Individuals who report concerns of illegal harassment or a hostile environment are protected from retaliation. For further information, please consult the University Harassment Policy. To report harassment or retaliation or to find more information on related issues, please visit the University’s UACT website.
E. ONLINE COMMUNITIES AND SOCIAL NETWORKS
Online communities can be great tools to express yourself and learn about others around you, but keep in mind both the benefits and the risks.
Bad things that happen in actual relationships, such as harassment and stalking, also occur online. It is not a good idea to put your date of birth, Social Security number or campus-wide identification number (CWID) on these sites for everyone to see. Never disclose when you will be away from your residence. Additionally, be mindful of what you write or post on social media — something written in jest may not be perceived as such by others. In short, be careful and use good judgment.