Fellow Students,
Sexual assault is a serious problem on college campuses nationwide. UF Student Government is also concerned about this important issue of campus safety.
There have been (four) sexual assaults reported on or near campus in the past week. In addition, in a 2013 survey, 4 percent of UF students surveyed reported they had experienced non-consensual sexual touching within the last 12 months.
Over the summer, SG recognized the need for greater awareness about sexual assault on campus. Taking a proactive approach, we have planned the first Sexual Assault Awareness Week, which begins today.
Our goal is to raise awareness about sexual assault on campus, promote the variety of resources available to students should a sexual assault occur and encourage students to sign up for risk reduction/prevention training offered at UF.
In addition to encouraging all Gators to stop by our table at Turlington this week to learn more about the issue of sexual assault, I also strongly want to remind UF students of some important safety tips from UF Police:
Report suspicious activities or individuals immediately by calling 911.
If someone bothers you, don’t be embarrassed to attract attention to yourself. Yell!
Stay in well-lit areas away from alleys, bushes and entryways.
Avoid walking alone.
Visit the App Store on your smartphone, and download the following mobile applications:
Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol app: SNAP is an on-campus service that gets you home safely. Download the SNAP app in your App Store to request a ride.
TapShield: TapShield is a mobile app that can be used to contact police with the tap of a button and sends UPD your GPS location.
In addition, always know that you can contact U Matter, We Care at umatter@ufl.edu, UPD Victim Advocates at 352-392-5648 and the Counseling & Wellness Center (352-392-1575).
Ensuring student safety is our No. 1 priority. I hope that you take some time this week to learn more about the issue and make our campus a safer place.
Cory Yeffet
UF Student Body President
[A version of this story ran on page 7 on 9/8/2014 under the headline "UF Student Body Presidents reminds students of safety tips"]
