University Police Officer Ekstrom said women should take certain steps to minimize the risk of being sexually assaulted. He points out the following:

Avoid walking alone after dark.

Ekstrom said, “We really want students to walk in well-lit areas.”

Avoid working or studying alone at night in buildings on campus.

Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.

Lock doors when driving, keep windows partially rolled up.

Do not dress in front of windows. Draw blinds and curtains after dark and leave a light on.

Keep residence hall rooms locked, especially when sleeping.

Avoid secluded places with someone you do not know very well. This would include classrooms, apartments, residence hall rooms and cars.

Females should be clear about their sexual intentions. They should not give mixed messages.

And, if an assault has occurred, the most important thing for the victim to do is get immediate medical attention.

“Nothing is more important than the victim’s physical health,” Ekstrom said.

He said these guidelines apply both to students living in the residence halls as well as off-campus housing. But, he said, it is especially important for students living in the residence halls to not prop open exterior doors, such as the crash doors on residence hall floors.

He also said students should comply with all the residence hall rules.

Apartment dwellers should be careful about sliding glass doors, he said. That is the easiest way for an intruder to get into the apartment, he said.

There are four offices involved with the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART): the University Police, the University Health Service, the Counseling and Student Development Center (located in Swen Parson Hall) and the NIU Judicial Office. Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to call one or all of these offices to report the crime, Ekstrom said.