One year after reporting a record number of entering students, the University of Montana has reported a record drop in enrollment this year. Compared to 2011, the university is dealing with a steep decline in enrollment of more than 700 students. Multiple sexual assaults cases have led critics to label the University of Montana “The Rape Capital of America”. The website Jezebel reported in May that there had been "at least 80 reported rapes in Missoula over the last three years”, with 11 of the sexual assaults reported over the last 18 months involving UM students."
The University of Montana is being criticized for its handling of the cases. Members of the UM Grizzlies Football Team have been at the center of the allegations. Several players have been charged with rape charges, while some others accused of “gang style rape charges” have not been investigated. The University of Montana, the City of Missoula and Missoula County are all being investigated over the handling of the reported assaults.
It is speculated that the decreases in enrollment may have been a direct result of these assaults. Could this be true?
It is evident that the students are very concerned about this sexual assault issue. The university and local police departments have taken some actions to help address this safety issue such as hiring a violence intervention director, requiring sexual assault awareness and prevention training, and offering self defense courses to women. As a personal safety awareness educator, and advocate for violence against women, I believe that the SABRE College Safety Program, - a newly launched program by Security Equipment Corporation -, would be a great asset to their plan of action to address these sexual assaults.
In order to avoid contact with an attacker that could be stronger, faster and more skilled, students prefer to carry pepper spray which provides them with protection at a safe distance. Security Equipment Corporation (SEC), manufacturer of SABRE and SABRE RED personal safety sprays, is the world's largest provider of pepper spray to law enforcement agencies and has trained over 4,500 police forces worldwide.
With the safety of college students in mind, personal safety expert, David Nance of Security Equipment Corporation and elite law enforcement instructors to joined forces to develop the SABRE College Safety Program. This program focuses on the SABRE Safety Mindset (Prevention Techniques) and how to Multiply Your Force (Protection Techniques). Students are taught how to protect themselves at a safe distance in high stress situations until help arrives with out without their pepper spray on hand. Students are also provided with the practical knowledge and tools needed to develop their own personal safety plan, so they can feel the most prepared and responsible for their personal safety. The SABRE College Safety Program would be very beneficial for University of Montana students.
