CRIME PREVENTION

University of Denver Campus Safety believes there are several safety precautions that can be taken to reduce the opportunity of you becoming a victim of a criminal incident. Some actions you can take include:

1. Be aware. Awareness of your surroundings can add to your safety. If you think you are being followed, or notice someone who is suspicious, go to a place of calculated security and call Campus Safety.
2. Use the "Buddy System" whenever possible. Travel with a trusted friend to minimize your vulnerability. When you go to parties or walk in the community, have a friend with you to assure you both are safe.
3. Use DU Shuttle at night. It will be your surest route for safety at night.
4. Become familiar with lighted areas when walking at night. The D.U. campus has several highly lighted sidewalk areas throughout campus. Use these sidewalks after dark.
5. Know where the emergency telephones are located. There are dozens of emergency telephones throughout campus. Use these phones to report any crimes or suspicious activity.

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911 EMERGENCIES

In case of a life-threatening emergency, make the following TWO calls:

1. 911
2. 303-871-3000 (1-3000)

When should I call 911?

What are common types of 911 calls?

What information is displayed on the 911 call takers screen?

What information will the 911 call takers request?

What should I do if I mistakenly call 911? Please stay on the phone so that the operator can verify whether or not you have an emergency. When the operator is unable to determine if an emergency exists, a police unit is dispatched to check on the call.

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NON-STRANGER SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual assault is the umbrella term used to describe sexual contact that occurs without consent. Even when someone known to the victim perpetrates a sexual assault, it is a crime. Being assaulted is never the victim’s fault. Nothing a victim does, says or wears gives anyone the right to assault him or her, sexually or otherwise. National studies have shown that the first few days of a first-year student’s school year are the most vulnerable time for sexual assault. Acknowledging this, the University of Denver offers sexual assault prevention, awareness and education programs during the Discoveries orientation and throughout the year. DU has a Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Coordinator (SARPC) who is available for advice, advocacy, information and training. Campus Safety’s crime prevention/community outreach officer is also available to offer prevention materials, and to conduct group educational presentations at residence halls, Greek houses and to other student and employee groups.

Prevention
Remember: Sexual assault is not just a woman’s issue. Both men and women are responsible for preventing sexual assault and rape.

MEN: We need you! Help us clear the A.I.R.

1. Acknowledge the other person’s word. Understand what your partner wants. Don’t try to persuade or argue. NO means NO! Don’t have sex with someone who is too drunk to make decisions, or is asleep or unconscious. Legally, this is sexual assault.
2. Influence the actions of other male friends. Realize that what you say can have an impact. Casual conversation is the best way to influence peers to prevent an incident that could hurt others. Your friends could mistake your silence as approval of sexist or violent behaviors.
3. Report the incident as soon as possible. If you see someone in trouble at a party, don’t be afraid to intervene. It’s easy to use your cell phone to notify campus authorities, the police or someone you know could stop it.

Tips

1. You have the right to set limits. Be aware of gender stereotypes like "being assertive is not feminine" or "it’s macho to score". These attitudes get in the way of honest relationships.
2. Communicate your limits clearly and verbally.
3. Trust your instincts. If a situation doesn’t feel right, change it or leave.
4. Listen to what your partner is saying. Don’t make assumptions.
5. Speak up when others joke or talk about their sexual conquests. Let others know your stance.
6. Party time? Remember, drugs and alcohol impair your decision making ability and decrease your ability to take care of yourself.
7. Plan ahead.
8. First date or blind date? Check your date out with friends. Go to a public place-a movie, restaurant or campus event-and go with friends.
9. Don’t leave a party, concert or bar with someone you just met or don’t know well, no matter how charming.
10. Be wary of behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable. If it persists, leave.
11. Stand up for yourself. If someone is pressuring you, make it clear that you don’t like it.
12. Never leave a friend alone at a party or in a strange place.

Get Help
If you are sexually assaulted, contact Campus Safety at 303-871-3000 and the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Coordinator at 303-871-3853; or call the DU Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate Network at 303-871-3456. This is a team of trained advocates available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Campus Safety can provide immediate assistance and contact resources, such as the Denver Police Department, a rape crisis center and victim assistance to help you. The most important thing a rape victim can do is to let someone know what happened: Campus Safety, the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Coordinator, a Resident Assistant, a Graduate Resident Director, the police, a friend, a rape crisis center, a hospital, a counselor or someone else you trust. Don’t isolate yourself, don’t feel guilty and don’t try to ignore it. Whether committed by a stranger or someone you know, sexual assault is a violation of your body and your trust. Remember, it is never your fault. And, there are people at DU who can help!

1. R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Classes - For information or to register, Contact Campus Safety.
2. Sexual Assault Response and Prevention - Student Life, University of Denver, Driscoll Student Center North

If you are assaulted:

1. Don’t shower, wash, douche or change your clothes, even though that may be your immediate reaction. If you choose to press charges, evidence may still exist if you don’t wash.
2. Seek medical attention. You may have internal injuries, and you shouldn’t live with the fear of STDs, AIDS or an unwanted pregnancy.
3. Trained medical staff may also assist you in contacting experienced sexual assault response team members who can help you file a police report, collect and preserve evidence, and provide victim assistance and rape crisis advocacy services.
4. Get counseling to help you deal with your feelings.

If someone you know is raped:

1. Don’t judge. Listen.
2. Give comfort. Let your friend know he/she is not to blame. Realize he/she may be dealing with fear, embarrassment, humiliation and guilt.
3. Encourage action. Offer support of his/her decision to call Campus Safety or the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, the police, a hotline, or to go to a hospital.
4. Encourage him/her to take control as soon as he/she feels able.
5. Don’t let your own feelings get in the way of helping him/her.

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BOMB THREATS

If you receive a bomb threat call 911, then the Campus Safety emergency number 303-871-3000 (1-3000). Collect as much of the following information as possible.

Questions to Ask

Call Characteristics

Caller Characteristics

Caller Voice Characteristics

Background Noises

Bomb Threat Lanuage

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FIRE SAFETY

If you suspect or discover a fire, activate the building’s fire alarm system at the nearest fire alarm pull station. Fire alarm pull stations are typically found near building exits; familiarize yourself with their locations in campus buildings.

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TELEPHONE HARASSMENT

1. HANG UP
2. NO conversation
3. NO emotion
4. NO reaction
5. Call Campus Safety
   Emergency: (303) 871-3000
   Non Emergency: (303) 871-2334

Here are some recommendations for handling harassing phone calls:

1. Remember, a telephone call is just as personal as a face-to-face conversation. Do not feel obligated to answer questions.
2. Remember, it is your phone service and your time. If you do not want to talk, simply say so. If the caller is rude enough not to let you go, HANG UP.
3. Be careful about what you say to strangers on the phone. An innocent comment such as, “I am the only one here”, could lead to problems.
4. If the caller remains silent after you answer, HANG UP. Do not let the caller know if he succeeded in upsetting you.
5. If a caller makes an obscene or suggestive remark, HANG UP. The caller wants you to demand to know who or what the caller wants.
6. CALLS THAT THREATEN YOUR LIFE OR SAFETY:
   If you are a victim of life or safety threatening calls, these rules are not enough. Call 911, then the Campus Safety emergency number 303-871-3000 (1-3000) immediately, followed by phone call to the telephone company.

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CRIME PREVENTION PRESENTATIONS

Presentations occur regularly during the year and are offered to university departments and individuals. They also can be scheduled as the need arises. For information on scheduling a Crime Prevention Presentation, please Contact Us.

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