Sexual Assault on College Campuses
By: Maddi Snyder, Women’s Fund Intern
My Experience with Personal Safety on a College Campus
Being a woman in college means constantly thinking about safety. As a junior at Ball State University, I arrived on campus with a lot of anxiety. I carried a Birdie alarm (yes, I’ve set it off in the dining hall), pepper spray (accidentally sprayed myself once), and even earned the nickname “Taser Girl” at parties. My all-women household takes security seriously—window alarms, door jammers, cameras, outdoor lights, and a 100-pound Rottweiler (who, unfortunately, doesn’t bark). While these precautions may seem extreme, they reflect the reality of being a woman on a college campus.
Why is Sexual Violence Awareness Important?
Sexual assault accounts for 43% of on-campus crimes (NCES, 2022), and up to 25% of female college students report being victims. Our campus police offer self-defense classes, and while they were helpful, I was struck by how few men attended—just one out of 15 participants. It underscored how different safety concerns are for women. According to RAINN, women are especially at risk during the Red Zone, the period from the start of the fall semester to Thanksgiving break, when over 50% of college sexual assaults occur. If colleges recognize this vulnerable time, it’s time for them to become more proactive. Indiana colleges provide resources for survivors, including counseling, medical assistance, and educational programs. Many schools host awareness events, but as I researched, I noticed a trend—most of these efforts are reactive. What if universities focused more on prevention?
A Proactive Approach
Colleges should do more to equip and empower women before an assault occurs. Freshman orientation could include education on the Red Zone and personal safety. Many women don’t realize how common their experiences are. I witnessed this firsthand at a self-defense class, where women shared uncomfortable encounters they had brushed off. Providing self-defense training and information about risk factors could help students feel more confident and assertive.
The Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne runs No Matter What, a campaign that connects survivors to the resources they need in a user-friendly, discreet way. The website organizes help by action—talking to someone, taking legal steps, or finding immediate assistance. It even has a quick-exit feature for privacy.
Colleges have resources, but their websites can be hard to navigate. A streamlined platform like No Matter What could encourage more students to seek help. When resources are easy to access, survivors are more likely to use them.
Final Thoughts
Women shouldn’t have to live in fear on campus. Universities must shift from reactive to proactive approaches—educating students early, making safety resources more accessible, and empowering women to advocate for themselves.