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UML Campus Safety SurveyChris Harris & Alison CaresDepartment of Criminal Justice & Criminology1Context High Risk Age Group

2What We Know (Generally)Gender Differences in Violent VictimizationMale > FemaleFemale students < Female non-studentsMale students = Male non-studentsVictimization CharacteristicsAlmost all victimizations off-campusMost at night (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.)Most perpetrators are strangers

3What We Know (Generally)ReportingMost violent victimization go unreported to policeCollege Students < Non-StudentsCollege Students = low reporting rates

4What We Know (Specifically)Total Criminal Offenses On UML Campus200620072008Murder/Manslaughter000Sex Offenses143Robbery050Aggravated Assault9104Burglary214729Motor Vehicle Theft479Arson1145Fear of CrimeReality of CrimeBehavior

What We Wanted to KnowWhat We Wanted to KnowEstimates of student victimizationGauge perceptions of safety and fear of victimization on campusEvaluate behavior related to victimization and fear of crimeMeasure knowledge and perceptions of campus support services

7About the SurveyFunding provided by UMass Presidents OfficeWeb-based survey April of 2008 Students who were on campus students in Fall 2007 and Spring 2008Students invited via email with a web linkHalf of students also were mailed a letter26% response rate = 1670 Respondents8Student DemographicsPercentagesGender Male50.0 Female49.7 Transgender00.3Race White81.3 Black3.5 Hispanic4.8 Asian/Pacific Islander12.2 Other3.3Age 18-1927.4 20-21 32.5 22-2319.5 24+20.69Student DemographicsPercentagesClass First Year20.5 Sophomore22.9 Junior22.7 Senior18.5 Graduate student15.4Time on Campus (undergrad) Full time95.3 Part time4.7Residence On campus40.9 Off campus59.110VictimizationsUML Campus Safety Survey11Student Reports of Victimization for Fall 2007Violent Victimization10% (174) Harassment/Stalking5% (81) Physical Assault 5% (76) Threat of Physical Harm1% (20) Sexual Assault1% (19)Property Victimization13% (213) Stolen/Damaged Property10% (163) Break In (or attempt)4% (62) Identity Theft2% (27)Any Victimization20% (335)N=167012Gender Differences in VictimizationViolent VictimizationPhysical Assault: Men > WomenSexual Assault: Women > MenStalking: Women > MenThreats of Physical Harm: No Gender DifferenceProperty VictimizationNo Gender Differences13Location of VictimizationType of VictimizationOn CampusLowellViolent Victimization Harassment/Stalking53% (43)10% (8) Threat of Physical Harm 50% (10)30% (6) Physical Assault45% (34)33% (25) Sexual Assault32% (6)11% (2)Property Victimization Stolen/Damaged Property79% (129)15% (24) Break In (or attempt)65% (40)36% (22)14Reporting of VictimizationViolent Victimization Physical Assault22% (16) Harassment/Stalking9% (7) Threats of Physical Harm5% (1) Sexual Assault0% (0)Property Victimization Break In (or attempt)65% (40) Stolen/Damaged Property41% (66) Identity Theft37% (10)15Perceptions Of Crime & VictimizationsUML Campus Safety Survey16Perceptions of SafetyHow safe do you feel on campus?Very safe32.2%Somewhat safe56.5%Somewhat unsafe9.2%Very unsafe2.1%N=1555FIX PERCENTAGES!17Feelings of Safety at NightHow safe do you feel in these locations at night?Locations (%)Very SafeSomewhat safeSomewhat unsafeVery unsafeLecture halls55.235.96.82.5Libraries53.137.77.41.8Dining halls60.634.33.51.5Dorms47.240.89.12.9Gathering places46.042.68.33.2Bus stops12.436.637.613.4Parking lots9.833.438.018.9Walking around12.636.633.717.1Labs58.533.36.02.2Music rooms60.530.95.33.4Art studios58.730.86.14.418Fear of VictimizationHow afraid are you of becoming a victim of crime on the UML campus?Very afraid7.1%Somewhat afraid28.1%Not afraid45.5%Not afraid at all19.4%N=147519Concern for Future VictimizationHow worried are you that in the coming semester, someone willCrimes (%)Very worriedSomewhat worriedNot worriedNot worried at allSteal/damage your property11.640.237.110.2Assault you7.124.844.723.4Sexually assault you5.315.334.944.4Steal your personal info8.126.346.519.1Threaten/harass you5.722.748.722.9Threaten/assault you(hate crime)4.010.736.848.6N=147520Behavioral Impact of Fear of CrimeHow often have your activities on campus been affected by fear of crime?Most of the time1.8%Some of the time10.6%Occasionally25.3%Never62.2%N=143721Behavioral Impact: AvoidanceSince last semester, have you .Yes(%)No(%)Asked someone to watch your property while unattended68.831.2Asked someone to walk you somewhere after dark33.666.4Avoided certain areas of campus at night b/c of safety concerns31.568.5Avoided certain areas of campus during the day b/c of safety concerns

3.896.2Avoided parking your car in certain lots b/c of safety concerns27.696.2Avoided classes b/c of safety concerns3.696.4Avoided classes b/c someone made you feel threatened3.496.6Avoided certain campus events b/c of safety concerns3.396.722Behavioral Impact: DefenseDuring last semester, did you every carry any of the following items on campus to defend yourself or get others attention in case of an incident?*Yes (%)No(%)Keys in a defensive manner31.168.9Whistle5.294.8Mace1.598.5Pepper spray2.297.8Knife6.693.4Gun**0.499.6Other (typically cell phone)3.896.2None of the above63.636.4N=1328*Students could indicate multiple items** n=523ServicesUML Campus Safety Survey24Service (%)AwareUsedWouldEmergency/Blue lights87%3%n/aOnline campus safety advisories47%29%67%Student disciplinary system52%7%n/aProperty engraving23%