September is widely recognized as one of the most dangerous months for college students. The high risk of sexual assault and other crimes have led Representatives John Duncan, R-Tennessee, and Mark Greene, R-Wisconsin, to propose a bill that would designate September as National Campus Safety Awareness Month.
The bill was proposed at the request of the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay and Security on Campus, Inc., a national non-profit group dedicated to making college campuses safer.
"We've had incidents at every college, and this was in response to that," said Aaron Tallent, aide to Congressman Duncan.
The bill would bring attention to campus safety and the need for increased awareness of safety issues, Tallent said. Specifically, National Campus Safety Awareness Month would give colleges an opportunity to teach students about alcohol and drug education, techniques to prevent crime and fire safety.
Although campus crimes are prevalent during every month, bill supporters chose September for Safety Month to coincide with the beginning of the school year and the arrival of incoming freshmen.
"The House is sending a message that Universities should have a month to allow incoming freshmen and new students an opportunity to learn about existing crime trends and prevention techniques," Tallent said.
According to Tallent, there is no cost in implementing the bill, and the bill's sponsors have faced no opposition.
University police said they recognize the value of educating students concerning safety.
"Anytime you can raise awareness, particularly of sexual assault, it is a benefit," University Police Sgt. Melissa Fielding said.
At the beginning of every year, the University Police Department provides presentations on sexual assault, alcohol and other general safety issues to first-year students.
The first six weeks of school are critical because there is plenty of opportunity for these types of incidents to occur, Fielding said, adding that most of these cases involve alcohol.
"Most of the assaults are committed by a person known to the victim, that they've met in a social setting, and alcohol is almost always a factor," shesaid.
According to Fielding, most non-stranger assaults occur in the victim's home. She suggested students be cautious and remain alert. Further, she urged students to communicate very clearly with anyone they meet about their intentions.
"The best thing you can do for your friend is stay in a group and go home together," she said.
Statistically one in three females and one in six males can be expected to be assaulted within their lifetime, according to Fielding.
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