By The Beacon Editorial Board
UP is a small campus with, as one would expect, small amounts of crime. Our community on The Bluff, also has the advantages of being isolated on a cliff in a residential neighborhood.
Breathe easy on campus. There is, most of the time, no reason to look over your shoulder, waiting to be stalked by a troupe of shifty characters hiding in the bushes by the library or a friend's dorm. The majority of the mischief on campus at UP is predictably caused by student attempts to subvert university alcohol policies.
Despite the campus' general safety, it is always wise to err on the side of caution and take up the offer of a friend to walk you home or travel in groups. Public Safety provides an escort around the clock if a friend is not available to walk with you. Just call their 24-hour hotline: 503-943-4444.
Off campus, UP students should be aware that the veil of safety lifts to a certain extent. Students are more vulnerable away from campus where Public Safety is not a blue-button click away.
Although the area where most students live off campus is not a hotbed of criminal activity, it's important for students to play it safe by traveling in groups and walking in well-lit areas. It is also important to protect your belongings by not leaving them in your car. Hide valuables from sight if you cannot bring them inside.
Although the 2009 Crime and Fire Report showed no reported sexual assaults on campus or adjacent areas, this crime is notoriously underreported. Victims of sexual assault should come forward. If uncomfortable about reporting the assault to Public Safety or police, a victim has other options, including the following confidential support services:
-SAFE (Stop Assault for Everyone Advocate Line): 503-943-7233. -Portland Rape Victim Advocate Program: 503-248- 3222. -Portland Women's Crisis Line: 503-235 - 5333
Women's self-defense classes offered in Mehling Hall are a fun way to learn how to protect yourself.
We can take easy steps to protect our ourselves and our belongings. Students' actions help keep those crime stats low, so do your part and we'll all stay safe.
