Office of Crime Prevention

The office of Crime Prevention is responsible for providing educational programs for the students and staff. The office maintains a vast library of pamphlets and brochures on crime prevention and other topics. Other duties include providing security surveys of buildings and monitoring security problems on campus to suggest ways of preventing crimes. The Crime Prevention Officer also serves as the Community Policing Officer for the department.

Specialist Ken Grossman, the Campus Crime Prevention Officer, has served the Xavier community since 1997. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati criminal justice program, Ken completed his Police Academy training at Great Oaks Vocational . He has also received additional training in RAD self defense for women and Workplace violence along with campus crime prevention.

Specialist Grossman is available Sunday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (EST) to meet with students and staff. He can be reached by phone at (513) 745-2000 or email at grossmank@xavier.edu or by mail to Spc. Ken Grossman Xavier University Campus Police 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati Ohio 45207.

Campus Crime Prevention

Crime Prevention is everyone's job on campus. Counting yours, there are about 16,000 eyes on our campus. Only a limited number are assigned to the Campus Police. If you see something suspicious, or unusual give us a call.

Personal Safety

• Always keep your door locked - day or night. NEVER let strangers in.

• Never lend your keys or leave your door unlocked for a friend.

• Don't bring valuables to campus. Leave them at home where they are most safe.

• Keep cash and other small valuable out of sight.

• Don't prop open exterior doors. You could be letting in an intruder. The doors are locked for your safety!

• Don't leave your books unattended.

• Know the location of building staff offices, phones, or other safe areas.

• Report suspicious persons or activity to building staff or Campus Police.

On The Grounds

• Be alert and aware of people around you.

• Don't walk alone, go with a friend, group or use the on campus escort service.

• Use public walkways, avoid shortcuts, dark or secluded places.

• Never hitchhike, pick up hitchhikers, or ride with a stranger.

• Never drink and drive.

• Always lock your bike to a fixed object. Use the U-shape lock for the best security.

• Always lock your car and take your keys with you. Lock your valuables out of sight. (In the trunk is best)

• Know the locations of emergency telephones or public telephones. Always keep a quarter handy.

• If you are a victim, call the Department of Safety/Campus Police immediately. We can assist you and advise you of your legal
  rights.

Why should you participate in Xavier University's crime prevention programs?

• Because we need your help to create a safe campus environment.

• Because crime hurts all of us.

• Because campuses with active campus crime prevention programs have reported dramatic reductions in crime.

• Because our campus crime prevention effort needs you to make it work.

To obtain more information about campus crime prevention, contact Xavier University's Crime Prevention officer at 745-2000.

Office Crime Prevention

Inventory and engrave ALL office equipment. The list should include the brand name, model, color, and serial number. Keep the list updated. To have your office or personal equipment engraved, contact the Campus Police Crime Prevention Officer at x2000

Install locks on office equipment, especially computers and typewriters. This protects against burglary as well as sneak thieves.

Insist that employees place purses and other valuables either in a locked desk or file cabinet. Purses placed in the typewriter compartment of desk are not safe as long as the desk is unlocked. The thieves look here first!

Place RESTRICTED AREA signs conspicuously in the building where needed. This will tend to discourage thieves, and give an incentive to employees to make a note of and report building roamers or suspicious persons.

Inquire of people wandering the building. Your attention will be appreciated if the person is legitimate and will discourage thieves if this is not the case.

If people pretend to be seeking employment, ask to see proper identification and refer them to the Personnel Office in Edgecliff Hall. This will usually frustrate and discourage the building roamer and thief. Always report these incidents to the Department of Campus Police.

Your office lay-out should restrict movement of the public. Public and private areas should be well defined.

Should a theft occur, or you have a suspicious person in your building, call the Campus Police right away. Don't be apathetic with situations like these. The thief is depending on this.

Crime Prevention Programs

Throughout the year the Campus Police provides specialized crime prevention programs to students, faculty and staff.

With the emphasis on personal safety, we provide comprehensive programs designed to educate students, faculty and staff in all areas of crime prevention.

Some ongoing programs include:

• Operation Identification - A program designed to educate the community about risk management and opportunity theft. Free engraving is available to all faculty, staff and students.
• Don't Monkey around with Crime - Officer Harry (the Department's Crime Prevention mascot) walks around campus urging students, faculty and staff, not to leave their personal belongings unattended and report suspicious activity to the Campus Police immediately.
• Sex and Aggression in Relationships - is a program designed to educate and discuss the subject of Date Rape a problem which is becoming frighteningly evident on college campuses. We will define acquaintance rape, offer suggestions on how to avoid it, and give information on how to help a victim. Rape is not just a problem for women. Men and women must
  work together to bring about the changes in our society needed to end sexual violence.
• You Could Have Been Ripped Off - was initiated and designed by the Campus Police Crime Prevention Unit. The program was established to combat the increase of Opportunity Thefts on campus.
• Crime Prevention Update- is used to update the campus community about specific crimes and concerns on campus.
• Xavier University Crime Prevention Week - takes place the last week in October, and was established to educate the campus community about alcohol/drug awareness, opportunity thefts, Acquaintance Rape, survival awareness, DUI Laws, Operation Identification, Fingerprint Identification, etc.
• RAD Self Defense - This is a women's only self defense program. The class is hands on and teaches avoidance strategies and defense tactics.
• Xavier University Neighborhood Community Watch - is a community based crime prevention effort. The program has been initiated for the following reasons:
  1. To educate residents in crime prevention techniques;
  2. To help reduce crime in the community;
  3. To establish communications within the neighborhood and create better relations between Xavier University and our neighbors.
• Campus Police also participates in the campus-wide Alcohol Awareness and Drug Education week.

Crime prevention programs are sponsored throughout the school year and are offered free of charge for all students, staff and faculty members. The topics range from rape prevention to dormitory and room security. For more information contact the Campus Police Crime Prevention Officer at 745-2000.

Fire Safety On Campus

Getting Out:

Feel the door handle.

• If the door handle is hot, don't open it.

• Go to a window and call for help.
• If the handle is not hot, open cautiously.
• Check for smoke or fire before going out.

Get out of the building before phoning for help.

• Don't take time to phone before leaving

• Get out and find a phone. (Use an E-phone.)

Pull the fire alarm on the way out.

• Don't look for other people or gather up your stuff.
• Knock on doors as you leave.
• Yell "FIRE" as you leave.
• Don't hesitate or stray from your path as you leave.

Crawl low to the floor.

• Thick smoke can make it impossible to see.
• Toxic chemicals from smoke can be deadly in minutes.

Close the door behind you.

• You may help keep the fire from spreading.
• You may protect your possessions from fire and smoke damage.

If you can't get out, get someone's attention.

• Yell and scream.
• Hang a sheet from the window.
• Stays low, there is less smoke and poisonous gasses close to the floor.

Once your out stay out.

• You may be suffering from lack of oxygen.

• Effects include: decreased stamina and lack of coordination, impaired judgment, mental failure, fainting, unconsciousness, nausea, coma, and death.
• Another hazard is toxic gasses. Carbon Monoxide is a by product of fire. This gas can cause unconsciousness and death due to exposure.
• Fire can fatal or debilitating burns.
• The structural integrity of the building can be affected during a fire. Ceiling and wall may collapse.

Women's Programs

The Crime Prevention office has several programs designed for female students and staff. These include a self defense class, how to report a sexual assault, date rape drugs, and sexual assault prevention. Any one interested in these programs can contact the campus police crime prevention officer at 745-2000.

What to do if you are sexually assaulted?

1. Find a safe environment -- anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you.
2. Preserve evidence of the attack -- don't bath. shower, dusche, or brush your teeth. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack and the attacker.
3. Call the police -- they can help you not only with a report but also with support resources in the area.
4. Seek medical & emotional support. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy. Ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam and if you think you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be taken.
5. Remember that it was not your fault and that emotional healing from a rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need.

How You Can Help a Victim

• Listen

• Be supportive and non-judgmental.
• Make it clear that the sexual assault was not the victim's fault.
• Don't pry. Let the victim choose which details to release.
• Offer options. Suggest:
  o seeking medical assistance
  o calling the police
  o seeking emotional support
  o telling others about the assault
• Let the victim make choices. Do not control the situation. During the assault, the victim's control was removed. You should let the victim make her/ his own decisions and begin to regain control.
• If you are uncertain what the victim wants from you, just ask.
• Don't let your own emotions color your response.
• A sexual assault often has an impact on people close to the victim. These people may need help also.

How can I protect myself from being the victim of sexual assault ?

• Be aware of your surroundings. Know what's going on around you.

• Walk with confidence and purpose.
• Don't let drugs or alcohol cloud your judgment.
• Trust your instincts. If it feels uncomfortable or uneasy, get out.
• Be clear with men/women in your life about what your limits are.
• Always watch your drinks and never take a drink you did not see poured.
• If you chose to drink, then know your limits. Alcohol is still the number one date rape drug.
• Meet first dates in public places and make alternate transportation arrangements
• Don't be embarrassed to make a scene, you know what's best for you.
• Always lock your doors.
• Never open the door to a stranger.
• Watch your keys, don't lend them out. Don't have your ID or address on the key chain.
• Use the Xavier Shuttle when it is available.

Date rape on college campuses

Although you may not be personally involved in a sexually violent situation, chances are someone you know may be. The growing attention by the news media to rape is not due to an increased incidence of the crime, but rather to a greater willingness to talk about it. The purpose of this publication is to address the subject of acquaintance rape -- a problem which is becoming frighteningly evident on college campuses. We will define acquaintance rape, offer suggestions on how to avoid it, and give information on how to help a victim. Rape is not just a problem for women. Men and women must work together to bring about the changes in our society needed to end sexual violence.

Types of Rape

People who are forced to have sexual contact against their will are victims of sexual assault. If the assault involves penetration, it is rape. Two types of rape are: Acquaintance Rape- rape by someone the victim knows. (This type of rape occurs most often.) Stranger Rape- rape by someone unknown to the victim. (This is the type you tend to hear about in the news.)

The information provided here about contributing factors, strategies for prevention, and effects on those involved applies to all forms of sexual assault, from verbal abuse to rape. No matter what the situation, sexual assault is never the victim's fault. Even if the victim and assailant are romantically involved, a crime has been committed.

Why Does Rape Happen?

Sex Role Stereotypes- Women are expected to be passive and men are expected to be aggressive. Thus, according to stereotypes, it is a man's place to take sex from a woman. Also, many women do not feel they have the right to refuse sex.

Poor Communications- Rape can happen when two people have different expectations and desires. For example, the man may think the woman is playing hard to get when she really means no.

Learned Violence -- Men are conditioned that aggression is one way to solve a problem.

Rape is NOT a result of uncontrolled sexual desire!

It is violence committed through sexual means.

Our Rights and Responsibilities

Rights of women and men in a relationship- Everyone has the right to...
dress as she/he pleases, choose when and with whom to have sex, and to
be treated with respect.

According to a Nationwide Survey conducted by Ms. Magazine:

• 52 percent of college women have experienced sexual assault
• One in eight women has been a victim of rape by legal definition. Of these women:
  75 percent did not identify the experience as rape
  47 percent were raped on first or casual dates
  33 percent did not discuss the experience with anyone
  90 percent did not report the rape to the police
• One in twelve men admitted to having fulfilled the prevailing legal definition of rape or attempted rape, yet virtually non of these men identified themselves as rapists.

Responsibilities of men and women- Everyone should... communicate expectations about sex always respect the wishes of others and be clear and assertive about choices

How to Reduce the Possibility of Acquaintance Rape

There are no definite rules to avoid becoming a victim of acquaintance rape. If expectations and feelings about sex are clearly communicated, the rape situations are less likely to happen. Here are some suggestions that will help clarify relationships.

Be assertive. Express your expectations and feelings clearly. Stand up for your rights without violating those of others.

Communicate clearly. Realize that it takes effort for two people to understand each other.

Make and declare your choices about sex. Know before a situation arises how much sex you and your partner find comfortable... Never use sex as a weapon for power or control.

Take responsibility. Say YES if you mean YES and NO if you mean NO ... and know the difference.

Be aware of situations that could lead to rape.

Before you end up in a situation where you are vulnerable, think about your alternatives.

Action Men and Women Can Take to Reduce the Incidence of Rape.

Do not confuse friendliness with sexual invitation. Try to improve the clarity of your relationships. Voice your needs and feelings, but realize you do not have the right to take away the freedom of choice.

Recognize and confront misunderstandings about rape. Silence can mean consent, so SPEAK UP! Don't let others perpetuate myths about rape. Rape is a criminal act of power and control over another acted out through sexual violence. Explain how comments like "she asked for it" and "he couldn't stop himself" support a society that condones rape.

Begin to understand how media images have shaped your attitudes about sexuality. Images of women and children as objects lead to deformed view of sexual relationships. Instead, develop a vibrant, healthy sexuality that is based on mutual respect, not violence or power over another.

Confront sexual stereotypes. Men and women each posses masculine and feminine traits. People who violate stereotypical roles by not expressing strictly masculine or feminine behaviors are often ridiculed and even attacked. Sexism and homophobia have their roots in the ridicule.

Be alert to anyone who may be suffering a verbal or physical assault. Confront a potential rape scene by moving toward it, interrupting with questions and physical intervention. Your involvement makes the violence visible and may give the victim a chance to escape. Do not expect the victim to trust you any more than the assailant. Contact the police immediately.

Realize that women have ample reason to consider every man a potential rapist. A woman's well-founded caution early in a relationship and open communication can prevent sexual assault by the man. He can realize this and take the initiative to develop trust by, for example, suggesting a public place for dates rather than his place.

Join others in action against rape culture. Men and women must work together and independently to bring about the cultural changes needed to eliminate sexual assault and violence.

What Men Want Women to Know

• They are afraid of being rejected and don't like to always have to initiate sex.
• They don't like to feel as if they have to go as far as women will let them.
• Sex is not the most important part of a relationship.
• They want friendships with women.

What Women Want Men to Know

• They would like to initiate dates without being labeled as easy or fast.

• They are afraid of hurting men's feelings.
• They may enjoy sexual contact hugging, kissing, etc. but may not want intercourse.
• They don't like always being the one who says when to stop.
• They want friendships with men.

12 Myths that Contribute to Date Rape

1. At a certain point a man cannot stop.

2. When a women says "NO" it means "CONVINCE" me.
3. When a women teases a man it is acceptable to force a woman to have sex.
4. Unless a women resists it is not rape.
5. It is not rape when a women is drunk or passed out.
6. The way a women dresses is a sign she wants to be raped.
7. If a women had sex with the person before it cannot be rape.
8. If a women did not take precautions it can't be rape.
9. If a women agrees then changes her mind it's not rape.
10. If a guy or girl is too drunk to know what he or she is doing, it's not rape.
11. All rapists know that their actions are defined as rape.
12. Rape does not affect men.

Dater's Bill of Rights

1. I have the right to refuse a date without feeling guilty.
2. I can ask for a date without feeling rejected or inadequate if the answer is no.
3. I do not have to act macho.
4. I may choose not to act seductively.
5. If I don't want physical closeness, I have the right to say "no".
6. I have the right to start a relationship slowly, to say, " I want to know you
7. better before I become involved."
8. I have the right to be myself without changing to suit others.
9. I have the right to change a relationship when my feelings change. I can say, "We used to be close, but I want something else now."
10. If I am told a relationship is changing, I have the right not to blame or change myself to keep it going.
11. I have the right to an equal relationship with my partner.
12. I have the right not to dominate or be dominated.
13. I have the right to act one way with one person and a different way with someone else.
14. I have the right to change my goals whenever I want to.