Sexual battery affects women every year and the University of North Florida is not a safe haven from the crime. A 21-year-old female at the University of North Florida reported a sexual battery to the police department Jan. 11 that occurred on the UNF campus. According to the university police department, this is the second sexual battery case reported this academic year.

After the police took the report, officers arrested a 25-year-old UNF student whom the victim knew and identified as her attacker. The male was sent to jail and the victim was referred to a victim advocate. UNF offers a Victim Advocacy program that helps students cope with traumas that occur on campus or from previous experiences. The center focuses on emotional support, explanation of rights, assistance in the legal process and safety planning.

Safety planning is one way to prevent crime according to Gene Owen, chief of UPD. "If you are going out to have fun, be careful and know who you are going out with. If you are partaking in the spirits, have someone who is not drinking look out for you," Owen said.

Safety planning is also taking into consideration factors that reduce the likelihood of crimes. "Most rapes on college campuses include alcohol. Do not go off alone. Look at patterns," said Sheila Spivey, victims' advocate.

The Department of Residence Life also offers a number of educational programs and invites guest speakers from departments across campus, such as the Women's Center, to educate and inform students about the options available when incidents like sexual battery occur. The education offered is designed to empower students when making critical choices about sensitive situations.

According to Spivey, it is important to know there is risk out there. If students find themselves in a questionable situation, there are many resources and people on campus ready to offer assistance. Owen said when going out it, is important to stay mentally aware of the situation, of what you are doing and who you are with.