In recent months, sexual assaults have been prominent on the UW-Madison campus. This is a timely reminder to all students: Be safe.
Safety precautions are often taken for granted by students. The most recent assault on University Avenue, called ""vicious"" by Assistant District Attorney Mike Verveer, and its proximity to campus jolted students to attention.
Students can no longer ignore the possible danger, and must take a more pro-active
role in their own safety.
The resources are available. The Office of the Dean of Students regularly promotes campus safety by distributing fliers, whistles and magnets. The university also offers several transportation methods, to help people stay safe.
UW-Madison provides the SAFE services: SAFEwalk, SAFEride and SAFEbus. These services are made available through student fees. Therefore, UW-Madison students need to take advantage of options that they essentially provide for themselves.
It is also comforting to know that the Madison Police Department is taking a larger stand after the recent string of sexual assaults. The department's Public Information Officer Mike Hanson called the arrests a great achievement. Police plan to increase presence in the downtown area.
Hanson said there are approximately 10 officers patrolling the State Street area at night. That number is much too low to ensure the area's safety.
We concur with the Madison Police Department's decision to prioritize stronger police patrols.
Though unlikely, the risk of sexual assault exists. It is not fair to blame the victim—no one deserves to be sexually assaulted.
UW-Madison students: Please take extra steps to stay safe on and off campus.
