Have fun on your spring break, but beware

Manatee Glens staff

Florida is ranked as a 2007 Spring Break Hot Spot, with over 165,000 college students visiting the state.  Here are helpful tips for students traveling on spring break vacations. Being aware of possible risks is often the first step in staying safe, especially when in an unfamiliar environment.

College women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other age group. Increased exposure to strangers and new surroundings can amplify these risks, particularly on spring break.  Women with higher alcohol consumption are more likely to be a victim of sexual assault.

There are some very basic steps students can take to maximize safety. Knowing how to reduce risk can help prevent possible sexual assaults, both during and after spring break.

Top Spring Break Tips include:

• Get to know your surroundings before you go out and learn a well-lit route back to your hotel or rental property.
• Always carry emergency cash and keep phone numbers for local cab companies handy.
• Form a buddy system with close friends and agree on a secret "butt in" signal for uncomfortable situations.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in any situation, go with your gut.
• Avoid being alone or isolated with someone you don’t know and trust.
• Don't accept drinks from people you don't know or trust.
• Watch out for "rape" drugs.  Never leave your drink unattended, and if you do lose sight of it, get a new one.
• Always watch your drink being prepared.
• Try to buy drinks in bottles, which are harder to tamper with than cups or glasses.
• Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings.
• Don't drink too much - drinking makes it easier for a person to become either the victim or the perpetrator of a sexual assault.
• Don't walk alone.
• Never leave with someone you just met. Attend large parties with friends and plan to leave with the same friends.
• Don’t look vulnerable. Rapists look for easy targets.
• Keep a safe distance if a stranger asks for directions or other forms of help.

Remember, sexual assault is a crime.  Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent an attack.  If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, please know that you are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through Manatee Glens Rape Crisis Services at 708-6059.

Sexual Assault Awareness Rally

Manatee Glens will present this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Rally, titled “More Than Words” on April 5 from noon to 1 p.m. outside the Bradenton City Centre, 1005 Barcarrota Blvd., on the riverside. 

Cathy Wilson, the supervisor of Manatee Glens Rape Crisis Services, will be the keynote speaker.

The rally, an observance of national Sexual Assault Awareness Day, include comments and displays by victims of sexual assault, including their art, essays, quilts and painted jeans.

The event theme derives from the idea that it takes more than words to describe the nightmare of sexual violence.  Words can’t capture the pain, the shame, the fear.  Words can’t fully express the terrible wondering if it was your fault.  It wasn’t.  But it also takes “More Than Words” to describe the joys of healing and the knowing that you deserve to heal.

Attend the rally to show your support for sexual assault victims and help end sexual violence.

The first 100 people to show up will receive a free t-shirt and brown bag lunch.

 Information: 782-4100