WAR in the news!

'Playing safe’ is main concern for police and student group
By Josh Cooper
The Daily Athenaeum

New students should never compromise their own safety while attempting to get tipsy, local safety enforcement organizations said.

Members of the University Police Department and Women Against Rape, an organization promoting sexual assault awareness, are urging students to be more aware of safety on campus while drinking.

UPD suggests students keep their rooms locked at all times to help prevent sexual assault and robberies.

"The number one thing for students is to keep their doors locked," said Lt. Brian Hoxter of the UPD. "Most crimes are crimes of opportunity."

Students should also travel in well lit areas and lock up their valuables, Hoxter added.

UPD provides tips and support on their website for both preventing and coping with sexual assault. Some tips include when it comes to alcohol consumption, communicating clearly, being aware of your surroundings and trusting your feelings, he said.

It is important for students to drink in moderation and to always have friends to check in with.

More than 80 percent of all sexual assaults on campus involve victims and perpetrators who know each other and were under the influence of alcohol, according to UPD’s sexual assault website.

"Women should always stay with friends and should keep their drinks covered. Don’t let anyone else pour them for you," said Annie Williams, WAR secretary.

Williams advises girls to use common sense and think situations through in order to stay out of trouble.

"The number one thing for safety is if you’re of drinking age and you are out, keep an eye on your drink," said Tasha Frazie, WAR vice president.

Frazie said it is easy for date-rape drugs to be slipped into unattended drinks.

UPD also provides a free self defense course for females called PROTECT, Personal Response Options and Tactically Effective Counter Techniques.

WVU students will be able to take place in a free PROTECT demonstration during the first week of school.

"Drop-A-Cop," sponsored by WAR and WellWVU, allows participants to tackle a police officer and learn several self-defense techniques as well as sign up for the PROTECT class.

The event will take place on Wellness Day, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mountainlair.

WVU also has support for sexual assault victims, including the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center and free counseling at the Carruth Center.

UPD features additional services, such as West Virginia state law seminars for out-of-state students, vision training for alcohol and DUI awareness and safety training.