ENFORCER

SPRING 2005

News from the Office of Safety and Security at Meharry Medical College

April is a busy month for raising awareness of many important issues

By Lt. Theresa McKinnon
Professional Accountability Unit

National Crime Victims Rights Week April 10-16, 2005

Crime Victims Rights Week is an opportunity to honor victims of crime and to promote the rights of crime victims.  Crime touches each and every one of us; either directly or indirectly.  we are all affected by acts of crime.  Most of us just see it on TV or read about it in the newspaper.  On the other hand, there are those of us who live with the aftermath of crime the rest of our lives. 

For more information on how you can participate in Victims Rights Week, please call 1-800-FYI-CALL,
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. –7:30 p.m. CDT.

Child Abuse Awareness Month

April is officially designated Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Everyone can play a role even if you don’t work directly with children or families, or if you aren’t a parent.  Creating communities that support families and value children is everyone’s responsibility because the children of today are the citizens of tomorrow. The better start they have, the better future for all.

Please wear a blue ribbon every day throughout April to show you are joining the fight for the protection of all children.

For more information on how you can participate in Child Abuse Awareness Month, please call 615-383-0994.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In addition to child abuse and victims rights, April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  This is the time to really highlight sexual violence as a major problem and focus public attention on this devastating epidemic.

If you or anyone you know has suffered sexual abuse or rape, please call 615-256-8526 or 1-800-879-1999.

DATE RAPE PREVENTION TIPS:

WOMEN

• Communicate your limits firmly and directly.  If you say “No,” say it like you mean it.
• Stay sober on a date. 
• Fighting back: Most experts agree that this is a choice that each woman must make for herself.

TIPS

• Don’t be afraid to make waves if you feel threatened. 
• Attend parties with friends you can trust.
• When you are traveling on foot or in your car stay tuned in to your surroundings.

MEN

• Don’t fall for common stereotypes.  When a woman says “No,” don’t assume that she really means “Yes.”
• Be especially careful in group situations.
• Remember that date rape is a crime.

Date Rape
Myths and  Reality

MYTH:  Date rape only happens between people who just met or don’t know each other well.

REALITY: Rape has nothing to do with how well the person knows the assailant.  It’s not uncommon for a person to be raped by someone she or he has been dating.

MYTH:  There are many false reports of rape, especially date rape.

REALITY: Less than 1% of reported rapes have been found to be false reports.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NUMBERS

EMERGENCY
911

ON-CAMPUS
EMERGENCY
327-6666

Office of Safety
and Security
327-6254

Metro Police Department
862-8600