September 2006 Newsletter
NATIONAL SAFETY CAMPUS AWARENESS MONTH
September's newsletter deals with some very important safety issues and topics for all parents of college students, male and female alike. I have first hand experience being both the parent of a college student and having presented numerous safety programs during the past few years on college campuses in several states.
College, like most things in our lives, is much different for our children than it was for us. There is a prevailing myth that college campuses are safer than other areas, when in fact the truth is that campuses are actually less safe. Below I discuss some very real safety issues every parent and college-age child needs to know and address. The first few weeks of each new school year may be an exciting time for college students, but they can also be extremely dangerous. The first month of college has been nicknamed and is referred to as the “RED ZONE.” New female students are at very high personal risk during this month because more sexual assaults and rapes occur then than at any other time during the school year.
1 in 5 women will be the victim of rape in their lifetime, and less than 16% of these rapes will be reported! Even more alarming however, is that 1 in 4 college coeds will be the victim of rape or attempted rape during their 4-year college career, and less than 5% of these rapes will be reported! (“Rape and sexual assault is now a prominent factor in the typical college experience.” -Bonnie Fisher, The Sexual Victimization of College Women). On the average, only 3 out of 100 rapists will be convicted and go to prison.
A survey was conducted at UCLA a few years ago that asked male students one question: “If you could rape a female coed and get away with it with absolutely NO consequences, would you?” And 34% (1 in 3) of the males said “YES”. Pretty alarming to say the least and a very sad statement about some of our country's existing values and morals. “I thought he was too cute to rape me” is an all too typical response of college rape victims in post-rape interviews. 1 in 12 women in their lifetime will be stalked, and unfortunately the college campus environment makes it almost ‘too’ easy for a stalker (both student and non-student) because of the large and dense younger population.
The typical freshman student away from home for the first time is exposed to a completely new and unfamiliar environment, in addition to a wide variety and diversity of people. This is a very significant time in our sons’ and daughters’ lives, where they explore and experiment with new-found freedoms away from Mom and Dad, gaining maturity and learning independence. This is even more reason to educate and coach them with the very best and most effective safety strategies as they become more independent and less dependent on us.
All college-age students, girls included, have a tendency to think of themselves as “10 Feet Tall and Bulletproof” and most, unfortunately, are both naïve and complacent about their personal safety. Even male students are at risk to be rape victims, and far more of these rapes are never reported because of feelings of shame and embarrassment. When a male is sexually assaulted, it is also more often by a heterosexual male as opposed to a homosexual male. Rape and sexual assault is about exerting power, not about sex!
Believe it or not, colleges do NOT require background checks on students and this means that on some campuses you have convicted felons, including even convicted rapists! Alcohol and drugs are readily available, as well as many easily obtainable illegal date rape drugs. Over 4 million doses of Rohypnol have been brought into the U.S. from Mexico. Over 1700 students die each year from unintentional alcohol related deaths. Additionally, there are fire related deaths and both personal and property crimes against students on campuses. I am not painting a pretty picture about college life, but this information is vitally important for every parent and student to know. You can only begin to insure a safer college experience when you become enlightened and aware.
Our safety program, S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness For Empowerment) is about becoming empowered with important safety education, safety strategies and quality safety products. For example: if you had a detailed map showing you the location of all the mines in a landmine field, you could easily and confidently walk through the field without incident. Even though college campuses are not as safe as we think they are or we would like them to be, we can provide maps, and teach our sons and daughters to be vigilant about their safety. I encourage you to visit http://www.campussafetymonth.org, & http://www.securityoncampus.org for important “NEED TO KNOW” information that will help keep you up to date and informed about what is happening on campuses today.
Well, for starters, you and your college students need to know that you don’t have to live in a state of fear. You can raise your safety awareness level and consciousness with important strategies that help promote your daily safety. If you are in an area where we have speakers, you can book one of our safety programs. If booking a program is not an option, be sure to visit our newsletter archives on our website for general safety tips.
You can also provide your students with important, potentially life-saving safety products. Order a 'Campus Safety Kit' (see below) for each of your college students (I strongly recommend purchasing a kit for all your children who are 18 years or older as well!) and gift them with an important set of ‘tools’ for their ‘Safety Toolbox.’
DATE RAPE DRUGS: Common date rape drugs are GHB (gamma hydroxybuterate), Ketamine, Rohypnol (Ruffies), and other benzodiazepines that come in either liquid or tablet form. Most are either illegal, by prescription only and/or off the market. All are unfortunately easily obtainable throughout over 10,000 illegal internet pharmacies. They are fast acting (3-10 mins), sleep inducing, anxiety reducing, create loss of muscle control, tingly feelings, rubbery legs and total amnesia that lasts for anywhere from approximately 3-8 or more hours. (More deaths occur each year due to GHB overdose that crystal meth overdoses, and this from a drug that has been OFF the market legally since 1990!) Drinks are typically tainted by squirting the liquid date rape drug from an eye drop container (like a Visine dropper). So, never accept a drink from someone, never leave a drink unattended and make sure you are always operating within a ‘Buddy System’ with at least one other person. Make – and most importantly – KEEP a pact with your buddy/s to look out for one another and never let anyone out of the other’s sight until you all end up safely at home.
RAPE: Rape is NEVER a woman’s fault, regardless of the circumstances. All rapists are serial rapists. If you or any one you know is the victim of a rape, you should immediately call the Police and immediately seek medical attention. Seek help from a professional counselor experienced in rape counseling to assist you in dealing with the repercussions.
ALCOHOL: Alcohol reduces inhibitions, adversely affects your judgment, thinking processes, physical reaction times and makes you more vulnerable, to getting robbed or sexually assaulted and to even become a predator yourself.
INTERNET SAFETY: Websites like MySpace, etc. and chat-rooms put you at potential risk if you allow yourself to become too exposed, trackable or traceable by someone you would not want in your personal life. If you would not post certain private or proprietary information on your dorm, apartment or home door for every one to see, you should NOT post it on a website or disclose it via an on-line chat.
CELLPHONE USAGE: A cell phone is a necessity today and can be one of the most important emergency items we can carry. However, it is a common misconception that if we are walking some place alone we are safer if we are talking with someone. When using a cell phone nearly 40% of the visual cortex is active and our attention is severely compromised because our brain is more engaged in picturing what we are talking about rather than paying attention to our immediate surroundings. The person we are speaking to can never respond quickly or effectively enough to help us simply because we are talking with them. Keep your cell off, pay 100% attention to your surroundings and do not call anyone until you are either safely in a building or a vehicle.
CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT: Know where and how to contact Campus Security in the case of an emergency. Campus Safety Officers are professional law enforcement personnel who have the same training and level of expertise as City, County and State Law Enforcement professionals.
One’s college career and experience is a unique and wonderful time for each and every one of us. Like all aspects in life, if we live mindfully and consciously we will always have more joy and a much more rewarding experience in all that we do. Our mission in WSEG is to share with those that we reach in live presentations and/or via the internet to impart, to the best of our ability, the latest and best safety information, strategies and products to help insure your and your family’s safety. Since so many of you currently have college-age children or are currently a college student yourself, we wanted to share this month’s important newsletter message. We want to help you insure a safe college experience. We are making a 'Campus Safety Kit' with a FREE Drink Detective available for purchase. We recommend that EVERY student own one of these.
What you will receive (see product descriptions below):
1 Pepper Spray $20.00 (instructions for usage included)
1 breakaway keychain $2.50
1 Highway Safety Sign $20.00
$42.50 +S/H (Receive a FREE Drink Detective with your purchase, a $5.00 value!)
Add additional product purchases with your order at reduced rates:
Each additional Pepper Spray includes a ‘FREE’ breakaway keychain, only $20.00
Each additional Highway Signs, only $18.00
Each additional Drink Detective, only $4.50 or 5 for $20.00
Product Descriptions:
Pepper Spray: Pepper Spray is recommended by all safety experts. Unlike Mace, it is effective against everyone because its effects are physiological. (Mace is tear gas based and may have no affect on someone who is high on drugs/alcohol or mentally crazed). Police stopped carrying Mace nearly 20 years ago and carry Pepper Spray exclusively because of its effectiveness. Pepper Spray will stop someone IMMEDIATELY because it makes the skin burn, inflames the mucous membranes, makes the eyes tear, burn and slam shut, causing temporary blindness in addition to severe coughing and gagging. It also contains a UV identifying dye that lasts 5-7 days. None of these effects are permanent, but it gives you the necessary minutes you need to escape a physically life threatening situation with minimum effort and maximum results. It empowers you because you know you, if you had to, could effectively defend yourself against a much larger person. It also acts as a deterrent letting a would be attacker know you are a ‘Tough Target’ and could defend yourself if you have to.
Highway Safety Sign: Our sign is easily seen in both directions, visible day or night (3M reflective tape), and alerts drivers to call 911 on your behalf assuring that the police are alerted to your emergency even if you are unable to use your cell phone.
Drink Detective: Tests for over 60 different types of date rape drugs. Indispensable during the “RED ZONE.”
If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a Program Trainer and/or Program Coordinator for WSEG, please contact Glenn at glenn@wseg.org. We are always looking for passionate people who want to make a positive difference and be able to earn a great part-time income as well.
Mark Spencer, M.A., S.A.F.E.
© Copyright 2006 S.A.F.E. All rights reserved.
September's newsletter deals with some very important safety issues and topics for all parents of college students, male and female alike. I have first hand experience being both the parent of a college student and having presented numerous safety programs during the past few years on college campuses in several states.
College, like most things in our lives, is much different for our children than it was for us. There is a prevailing myth that college campuses are safer than other areas, when in fact the truth is that campuses are actually less safe. Below I discuss some very real safety issues every parent and college-age child needs to know and address. The first few weeks of each new school year may be an exciting time for college students, but they can also be extremely dangerous. The first month of college has been nicknamed and is referred to as the “RED ZONE.” New female students are at very high personal risk during this month because more sexual assaults and rapes occur then than at any other time during the school year.
IMPORTANT STATISTICS
1 in 5 women will be the victim of rape in their lifetime, and less than 16% of these rapes will be reported! Even more alarming however, is that 1 in 4 college coeds will be the victim of rape or attempted rape during their 4-year college career, and less than 5% of these rapes will be reported! (“Rape and sexual assault is now a prominent factor in the typical college experience.” -Bonnie Fisher, The Sexual Victimization of College Women). On the average, only 3 out of 100 rapists will be convicted and go to prison.
A survey was conducted at UCLA a few years ago that asked male students one question: “If you could rape a female coed and get away with it with absolutely NO consequences, would you?” And 34% (1 in 3) of the males said “YES”. Pretty alarming to say the least and a very sad statement about some of our country's existing values and morals. “I thought he was too cute to rape me” is an all too typical response of college rape victims in post-rape interviews. 1 in 12 women in their lifetime will be stalked, and unfortunately the college campus environment makes it almost ‘too’ easy for a stalker (both student and non-student) because of the large and dense younger population.
The typical freshman student away from home for the first time is exposed to a completely new and unfamiliar environment, in addition to a wide variety and diversity of people. This is a very significant time in our sons’ and daughters’ lives, where they explore and experiment with new-found freedoms away from Mom and Dad, gaining maturity and learning independence. This is even more reason to educate and coach them with the very best and most effective safety strategies as they become more independent and less dependent on us.
MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All college-age students, girls included, have a tendency to think of themselves as “10 Feet Tall and Bulletproof” and most, unfortunately, are both naïve and complacent about their personal safety. Even male students are at risk to be rape victims, and far more of these rapes are never reported because of feelings of shame and embarrassment. When a male is sexually assaulted, it is also more often by a heterosexual male as opposed to a homosexual male. Rape and sexual assault is about exerting power, not about sex!
Believe it or not, colleges do NOT require background checks on students and this means that on some campuses you have convicted felons, including even convicted rapists! Alcohol and drugs are readily available, as well as many easily obtainable illegal date rape drugs. Over 4 million doses of Rohypnol have been brought into the U.S. from Mexico. Over 1700 students die each year from unintentional alcohol related deaths. Additionally, there are fire related deaths and both personal and property crimes against students on campuses. I am not painting a pretty picture about college life, but this information is vitally important for every parent and student to know. You can only begin to insure a safer college experience when you become enlightened and aware.
Our safety program, S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness For Empowerment) is about becoming empowered with important safety education, safety strategies and quality safety products. For example: if you had a detailed map showing you the location of all the mines in a landmine field, you could easily and confidently walk through the field without incident. Even though college campuses are not as safe as we think they are or we would like them to be, we can provide maps, and teach our sons and daughters to be vigilant about their safety. I encourage you to visit http://www.campussafetymonth.org, & http://www.securityoncampus.org for important “NEED TO KNOW” information that will help keep you up to date and informed about what is happening on campuses today.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Well, for starters, you and your college students need to know that you don’t have to live in a state of fear. You can raise your safety awareness level and consciousness with important strategies that help promote your daily safety. If you are in an area where we have speakers, you can book one of our safety programs. If booking a program is not an option, be sure to visit our newsletter archives on our website for general safety tips.
You can also provide your students with important, potentially life-saving safety products. Order a 'Campus Safety Kit' (see below) for each of your college students (I strongly recommend purchasing a kit for all your children who are 18 years or older as well!) and gift them with an important set of ‘tools’ for their ‘Safety Toolbox.’
EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE FOLLOWING:
DATE RAPE DRUGS: Common date rape drugs are GHB (gamma hydroxybuterate), Ketamine, Rohypnol (Ruffies), and other benzodiazepines that come in either liquid or tablet form. Most are either illegal, by prescription only and/or off the market. All are unfortunately easily obtainable throughout over 10,000 illegal internet pharmacies. They are fast acting (3-10 mins), sleep inducing, anxiety reducing, create loss of muscle control, tingly feelings, rubbery legs and total amnesia that lasts for anywhere from approximately 3-8 or more hours. (More deaths occur each year due to GHB overdose that crystal meth overdoses, and this from a drug that has been OFF the market legally since 1990!) Drinks are typically tainted by squirting the liquid date rape drug from an eye drop container (like a Visine dropper). So, never accept a drink from someone, never leave a drink unattended and make sure you are always operating within a ‘Buddy System’ with at least one other person. Make – and most importantly – KEEP a pact with your buddy/s to look out for one another and never let anyone out of the other’s sight until you all end up safely at home.
RAPE: Rape is NEVER a woman’s fault, regardless of the circumstances. All rapists are serial rapists. If you or any one you know is the victim of a rape, you should immediately call the Police and immediately seek medical attention. Seek help from a professional counselor experienced in rape counseling to assist you in dealing with the repercussions.
ALCOHOL: Alcohol reduces inhibitions, adversely affects your judgment, thinking processes, physical reaction times and makes you more vulnerable, to getting robbed or sexually assaulted and to even become a predator yourself.
INTERNET SAFETY: Websites like MySpace, etc. and chat-rooms put you at potential risk if you allow yourself to become too exposed, trackable or traceable by someone you would not want in your personal life. If you would not post certain private or proprietary information on your dorm, apartment or home door for every one to see, you should NOT post it on a website or disclose it via an on-line chat.
CELLPHONE USAGE: A cell phone is a necessity today and can be one of the most important emergency items we can carry. However, it is a common misconception that if we are walking some place alone we are safer if we are talking with someone. When using a cell phone nearly 40% of the visual cortex is active and our attention is severely compromised because our brain is more engaged in picturing what we are talking about rather than paying attention to our immediate surroundings. The person we are speaking to can never respond quickly or effectively enough to help us simply because we are talking with them. Keep your cell off, pay 100% attention to your surroundings and do not call anyone until you are either safely in a building or a vehicle.
CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT: Know where and how to contact Campus Security in the case of an emergency. Campus Safety Officers are professional law enforcement personnel who have the same training and level of expertise as City, County and State Law Enforcement professionals.
SUMMARY:
One’s college career and experience is a unique and wonderful time for each and every one of us. Like all aspects in life, if we live mindfully and consciously we will always have more joy and a much more rewarding experience in all that we do. Our mission in WSEG is to share with those that we reach in live presentations and/or via the internet to impart, to the best of our ability, the latest and best safety information, strategies and products to help insure your and your family’s safety. Since so many of you currently have college-age children or are currently a college student yourself, we wanted to share this month’s important newsletter message. We want to help you insure a safe college experience. We are making a 'Campus Safety Kit' with a FREE Drink Detective available for purchase. We recommend that EVERY student own one of these.
SPECIAL CAMPUS SAFETY KIT PACKAGE: ORDER TODAY !!
What you will receive (see product descriptions below):
1 Pepper Spray $20.00 (instructions for usage included)
1 breakaway keychain $2.50
1 Highway Safety Sign $20.00
$42.50 +S/H (Receive a FREE Drink Detective with your purchase, a $5.00 value!)
Add additional product purchases with your order at reduced rates:
Each additional Pepper Spray includes a ‘FREE’ breakaway keychain, only $20.00
Each additional Highway Signs, only $18.00
Each additional Drink Detective, only $4.50 or 5 for $20.00
Product Descriptions:
Pepper Spray: Pepper Spray is recommended by all safety experts. Unlike Mace, it is effective against everyone because its effects are physiological. (Mace is tear gas based and may have no affect on someone who is high on drugs/alcohol or mentally crazed). Police stopped carrying Mace nearly 20 years ago and carry Pepper Spray exclusively because of its effectiveness. Pepper Spray will stop someone IMMEDIATELY because it makes the skin burn, inflames the mucous membranes, makes the eyes tear, burn and slam shut, causing temporary blindness in addition to severe coughing and gagging. It also contains a UV identifying dye that lasts 5-7 days. None of these effects are permanent, but it gives you the necessary minutes you need to escape a physically life threatening situation with minimum effort and maximum results. It empowers you because you know you, if you had to, could effectively defend yourself against a much larger person. It also acts as a deterrent letting a would be attacker know you are a ‘Tough Target’ and could defend yourself if you have to.
Highway Safety Sign: Our sign is easily seen in both directions, visible day or night (3M reflective tape), and alerts drivers to call 911 on your behalf assuring that the police are alerted to your emergency even if you are unable to use your cell phone.
Drink Detective: Tests for over 60 different types of date rape drugs. Indispensable during the “RED ZONE.”
If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a Program Trainer and/or Program Coordinator for WSEG, please contact Glenn at glenn@wseg.org. We are always looking for passionate people who want to make a positive difference and be able to earn a great part-time income as well.
Mark Spencer, M.A., S.A.F.E.
© Copyright 2006 S.A.F.E. All rights reserved.
