A Girl's Guide to a Safer Night

Graphic by Addison Pavone

Jerk loves to have a good time. We also love to have a safe time. With everything happening in the world right now, it’s important to remember that women still face the threat of gender-based violence, especially on a night out. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and to raise awareness of the fact that 1 in 4 female college students and 1 in 5 college students overall experience sexual assault, Jerk presents A Girl’s Guide to a Safer Night. 

1. Share your location with someone staying in who is not intoxicated.

If you know they are staying in, ask a roommate or trusted adult if you can share your location with them while you are out. Someone who is not intoxicated and is not at the bar or the frats should have your location in case something happens to you. 

2. Cover and watch your drink!

Try to pay attention to your drink at all times, and keep it in your hand, if possible, the entire time you’re at the bar or the frats. If you’re going to a house party or a frat house and you are scared of the “jungle juice” concoctions, bring your own drink in a lidded cup. 

3. Stay in a group or stay with a buddy. 

It’s important to stay with the people you came with! If one girl wants to go to the bathroom, let’s all go on a field trip together. If you or your friends are intoxicated and vulnerable, it’s better to stay together at all times. 

4. Check on your friends. 

Let’s take care of each other! If you see your friend is a little too intoxicated, make sure they aren’t walking home alone. The cost of an Uber or the time it takes to walk home with a buddy is worth their safety! 

5. Check on yourself.

The previous tip goes both ways.  Don’t let yourself walk home alone if you won’t be aware of your surroundings, or if it’s too late. Again, the Uber is worth the money for your safety!

6. It is okay to say no and walk away.

If the hangout turns into something you aren’t comfortable with or are scared of, it’s okay to excuse yourself and leave. Leaving because you don’t want to use a substance doesn’t make you a loser; it keeps you healthy and safe! 

7. Stay strapped. 

Carry pepper spray, a Birdie alarm—anything that can help you stay safe and protected in a harmful situation. Brands make these products in super cute colors, so buy one and even match your outfit to it! 

8. Don’t post every detail online. 

Keep your location private from your public Instagram story, or wait until the next day to post pictures from your night out. Stalkers are real, and people are watching. That perfect pic of you and your friend at the bar can wait until tomorrow morning. Prioritize your safety over social media! 

9. Keep that phone charged.  

Portable chargers exist! Your phone is the best way for people to reach you if you are in danger, or you know someone who is. Make sure to charge your phone before you go out to stay reachable in case of an emergency. 

10. Know your resources. 

On a college campus, plenty of resources are available to help you stay safe when you go out. The Barnes Center at the Arch has a sexual violence and relationship violence response team, available to call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They provide confidential support to students who have experienced any kind of sexual misconduct or unwanted sexual contact. Additionally, Barnes holds consistent wellness workshops to learn more about alcohol and cannabis safety and harm reduction. 

If you go out with your friend and find they need medical help, do not hesitate to call emergency services. The medical amnesty policy in place at SU prioritizes students’ health and safety; you will not be punished for saving a life—you and your friend's health and safety matter more. 

Your friends at Jerk love a night out, and we know you do too—a safer night out means so much more, though. To keep having fun nights out, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the resources available for you as a Syracuse University student. If you have experienced sexual misconduct on campus, call the Barnes Center at any day or time at 315.443.8000. To learn more about alcohol or cannabis safety, visit the Barnes Center website—or visit in person on campus. 

Stay fun, stay cool, but also stay safe, Jerks.