Hello,
I have read different articles stating the occurrence of assaults on campus. Furthermore, some of them say that the university isn’t doing much to solve the problem. So, right now I feel rather afraid to apply. Can some current students help me with their opinions? Do you feel safe on campus? Are these articles I’ve read true?
Thank you!
Campus is extremely safe!
Any articles saying that the university isn’t doing anything to prevent (sexual) assault are incorrect. At the required freshmen (and transfer) orientation, there is a huge program designed to it. Girls and boys attend the program separately. Among the topics included are bystander training, monologues written by real survivors (performed by UR theater students), definition of assault and what is/is not appropriate behavior, resources for survivors and how to report.
There are typically 2-4 assaults reported a semester. This number may seem high but consider how at many schools, assaults are severely underreported. The university has a system in place that makes survivors feel comfortable coming forward and getting help. One thing the university does in some cases is prevent their attacker from having contact with them, including preventing the attacker from taking any of the same courses the survivor is taking (at the same time).
Also note that the assaults that happen typically involve alcohol as a factor. There are many steps you can take to eliminate any chance of this type of assault from happening to you or your friends. These are also covered in the previously mentioned orientation program (things like not drinking the punch, pouring your own drinks, never go to a party alone, etc). You can also call for a security escort at night (both campus police officers and student volunteers), we have a campus loop shuttle at night, and we have “panic buttons” at certain locations.
My Freshman D has said she has never felt unsafe. She goes to lodge parties and is usually with friends (recommended regardless). She says the campus police are always present. She knows of incidents that have happened because the University alerts everyone by email. But, she is happy and has no complaints about safety.
I’ve done a ton of research on this topic (sexual assault on campuses) and actually high rates of crime, particularly that of sexual assault/ rape can be misleading. Some of the most dangerous, unsafe schools have the lowest number of sexual assaults reported because either the school does not make it easy to report, the administration shuns the student reporting it, or the stats are simply skewed to not seem unsafe. Because schools (especially big 10 schools) want to protect athletes (who committed the crime,) so they can continue to play, many administrations have rules that make it almost impossible to investigate a sexual assault case with a good student-athlete. URichmond has actually worked very hard to make it easier and safer for students to report rape/ assault, making the crime rates higher, but it is a reflection of a positive change.
I think many of the articles you read actually have the opposite effect of what they intended; while they want to show you the most dangerous schools, they are really just showing the schools with the most incidents REPORTED. That’s the difference.
Hope this helps
I would not be afraid at all to apply! In fact, one of the things I love about U Richmond is how safe it feels. The college is in a nice suburban area, and Richmond generally does not feel like a giant, scary city. As for sexual assault, I think that happens on all campuses (sad to say), and Richmond is addressing the issue head-on. At least visit the school and form your own opinion…it’s a GREAT place! 