Keep calm and stay safe off campus

I consider myself lucky to say that my life doesn’t often resemble that of a Grand Theft Auto setting (re: surrounded by multiple stolen cars, maybe robbing a bank I feel up for it). Actually, there’s no “often” about it. Seeing as how my normal routine generally involves getting to class with some sweet potatoes wrapped up for lunch and the only money on me is in the form of a meal card, there is a conclusive, “Nope”, to the heated question of whether or not my life fits into the mold of GTA, or anything remotely reflecting it.

And yet, just this past weekend, the frame of my car window could’ve been the very screen of the game in action. A firearms store had a car smashed through its front windows, fluorescent lights hesitantly flickering and just about thirty cop cars blocking each lane diverging from the main street. My stomach churned and a movie gasp ensued.

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That scene inevitably made me confront the fact that I, and along with most students, live in a massive bubble here at McMaster University. The majority of those who surround us are privileged enough to obtain an education that will set us up for a future with, at the very least, a stable job – and yet, this make it easier to ignore the reality that we are a privileged minority. Crime just doesn’t often find itself on the sidewalks of McMaster University. We spend most of the hours of the day on a campus where there are assistance phones on nearly every corner and a constant hustle bustle of students on their way to classes and meetings. You’re hard-pressed to find yourself virtually alone outside, when inside the safety of McMaster’s frontier. And with street lamps lighting our walks home to dorms or to the student houses sprawled around campus, McMaster feels safe.

But I’m afraid that this comfort perpetuates a lack of awareness on prevalent safety issues for students. For example, in first year I often walked back to my dorm at night without any concerns at all. The danger of this, however, is when that comfort extends beyond campus to areas of the city that are certainly not as monitored, well lit, or busy. On the contrary, areas outside of campus can also feel a thousand times more dangerous because of the sudden lack of any comfort at all. As a frequent traveler to coffee shops downtown, walking to bus stops alone felt hostile and often incited serious anxiety – especially when I questioned what I would do beyond screaming (which can never be stressed enough as one of the most effective tactics in a predatory situation) if a problem arose. It didn’t take long to realize I wasn’t alone in feeling ill prepared for such a situation after Google flooded me with similarly concerned voices.

Virtually anyone walking alone at night or who have found themselves in a vulnerable position should have a plan. The tips that follow are going to help you, but if you still feel unsure (even in the slightest way), please reach out to someone so that you feel as though you do have a plan. The best we can do to prepare for the unexpected is to cover as many bases as possible, especially building up your own street confidence. There are tips that we’re all told here and there growing up, like screaming no matter what and attempting to attract as much attention as possible to yourself, but also suggestions that are much more explicit in how to not only avoid but actively escape from an attack. Although they sound much more explicit than we’re used to, they’re some effective recommendations that should be taken very seriously.

Tips for avoiding a problematic situation

1. Body language is critical. It may not seem like much to stick up your chin and walk with your shoulders back, but this demonstrates confidence and someone who won’t readily submit themselves to a perpetrator.
2. In a parking lot, if you notice a big van parked next to your own car, enter from the passenger door.
3. Use your discretion when administering help to others, especially in isolated areas. If someone is asking for assistance, do so with a friend or say that you will go upstairs to find a security guard to help.
4. Always lock your doors immediately – cars, houses and hotel rooms alike.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask a security guard to walk you to your car. Make sure to ask the front desk to find one for you. When you’re on campus, don’t hesitate to make use of SHWAT (Student Walk Home Attendant Team). It’s run seven days a week in the evening hours.
6. If someone is walking behind you within a distance too close for your own comfort, cross the road. If they follow you, cross the road again. Call 911 if they follow you in this zig zag pattern.
7. Consider carrying a defensive weapon with you, such as mace or pepper spray.

 Tips for getting out of a problematic situation

1. The most vulnerable point on the body is the eyes. Take your fingers and jam them into the eyes, then run. Another point of vulnerability is the knees. A fast, hard kick can bring down even the largest foe.
2. The elbow is the strongest point on your body and can be more effective than punching. If you have the chance, punch the throat as hard as you can to cut off air supply. *A note on the last two suggestions. Make sure to be as forceful as possible when using physical defense as it may result in anger being taken out on you if they’re not effective. This is not to say you shouldn’t attempt physical defense at all, but just that you must wield as much confidence and strength as you can before doing so.
3. If thrown into a car trunk, kick out the back taillights and stick your arms out through the hole. Wave them around to catch the attention of other drivers and pedestrians while your driver won’t be able to see you.
4. If the predator has a gun but you are not under his control, always run! It’s very difficult to hit a moving target, so get moving.
5. Show anger, not fear. A predator’s own confidence will increase if they believe you to be an easy target.
6. Yell, “FIRE!” not “Help!” More people tend to run to the scene off of that buzzword.
7. If you are alone, also try calling out another name so they may be fooled into thinking you have someone with you nearby.