Health 110 chapter 18 personal safety

shootings, murders and assults

There are about 3,000 aggravated assaults—an attack with a weapon or one that causes serious injury—each year. Weapons are involved in about one-third of violent college crimes. Firearms have been used in 9 percent of all violent crimes and 8 percent of assaults. Most state colleges ban guns on campus, but some schools have allowed concealed weapons. This policy does not seem to have made a noticeable difference in life on campus.

violence kils

55,000 people each year in us Every day 13 young people between the ages of 10 and 24 die as a result of violence, making homicide the third leading cause of death for this age group. The rate of violent injuries and deaths in the United States far exceeds that in any other high-income "peer" nation.

cell phone use delays driver's attention as much as having a BAC

0.08%

Seat belt use by everyone in a car may prevent

1 in 6 deaths

# of people that drive drowsy

1/2, Falling asleep at the wheel is second only to alcohol as a cause of serious motor vehicle accidents.

Avoid Distracted Driving take their eyes of the road

10% of the time

# 15-20 year olds killed b/c no seat belts

2/3

gun violence causes

4,000 injuries and 32,000 deaths every year. The most common form of fatal gun violence is suicide, which accounts for almost two-thirds of such deaths. Beginning in adolescence, suicide risk is highest in white males, while black males are at highest risk of fatal shootings. only car accidents kill more americans 1 in 5 americans know a victim of gun violence Young people between the ages of 18 and 20 were among those most likely to know a gun violence victim. Those between the ages of 15- and 24 are most likely to be targets of gun violence

Avoid Distracted Driving of texting and driving 18-24 year olds

50%

Avoid Distracted Driving of people that die from distracted driving

9 each day 1060 are injured 20% of injury crashes

violence: Some signs of potential for violence may be historical or static (unchangeable) factors, such as the following:

A history of violent or aggressive behavior Young age at first violent incident Having been a victim of bullying A history of discipline problems or frequent conflicts with authority Early childhood abuse or neglect Having witnessed violence at home Family or parent condones use of violence A history of cruelty to animals Having a major mental illness Being callous or lacking empathy for others A history of vandalism or property damage

violence, ethnic differences

African Americans are at greater risk of victimization by violent crime than whites or persons of other racial groupings. Hispanics are at greater risk of violent victimization than non-Hispanics. There is little difference between white women and nonwhite women in rape, physical assault, or stalking. Native American and Alaska Native women are significantly more likely than white women or African American women to report being raped. Mixed-race women also have a significantly higher incidence of rape than white women. Native American and Alaska Native men report significantly more physical assaults than Asian and Pacific Islander men.

Stalking statistics

An estimated 8 percent of women and 2 percent of men may meet the legal criteria for stalking.

Hazing

Any activity that is expected of someone joining a group or team that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers, regardless of whether the person consents to the activity.

Avoid Distracted Driving distracted driving

Any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving

Cyberbullying

Bullying using technology, such as computers and mobile phones. As many as 20 percent of adolescents and young adults have reported being cybervictims or cyberbullies; some describe themselves as both. Both cyberbullies and their victims are likely to experience psychiatric and psychosomatic problems. One in four of those who had been victimized reported fearing for his or her safety. Male and female undergraduates agreed that cyberbullying is easier than face-to-face bullying because it is less personal and more indirect. Many students minimized it as a problem and argued that simply using technology—signing up for Facebook, for instance—qualifies as consent.

head trauma

Injury to the head and, therefore, to the brain, typically caused by accidents; can lead to cognitive impairments, including memory loss. 4-6 years recover can lead to physical disability, including paralysis and general weakness, as well as problems reading and thinking. It can also cause personality changes and psychiatric problems, such as depression, anxiety, uncontrollable mood swings, and anger.

gang rape

involves three or more rapists. Men in close groups that drink and party together—such as fraternities or athletic teams—are most likely to participate in such assaults. The reasons may go beyond aggression and sexual gratification to the excitement and camaraderie the men feel while sharing the experience.

the lap and shoulder belts

reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.

safety at work and home

The workplace is second only to the home as the most frequent site of accidents. The industries with the highest fatality rates are mining; transportation, communication, and public utilities; construction; and agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

motorcycle safety

deaths have decreased b/c of helmet use

Safety on the Road: annual number of traffic fatalities has______, because:

declined increased vehicle safety and rigorous campaigns to curtail drunk driving and encourage seat belt use

Violence defined by WHO

"the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or a group or community, that either results in, or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation

rape: incapable of giving consent b/c of alcohol

However, many women who experience a sexual encounter that meets this legal definition do not label it as a rape or even as sexual victimization. Compared with stranger rapes, these assaults are typically less violent and involve less force by the assailant, less resistance by the victim, and less injury to the victim. Yet women who do not acknowledge an unwanted sexual experience as rape nonetheless suffer psychological consequences, including distress and other trauma symptoms.

public health initiative for gun violence preventions

Prohibiting the purchase and possession of firearms by people with multiple criminal convictions related to alcohol abuse Prohibiting firearm purchase by people convicted of violent misdemeanor crimes, such as assault and battery Requiring background checks on recipients to help prevent prohibited people from acquiring firearms anonymously and illegally from private parties, including via the Internet

risks to college students

alcohol-associated injuries and illnesses, traffic accidents, and physical and sexual assaults.

violence

anything you wouldn't want someone to do to you

Safety on the Road: students aren't safer drivers, they:

drink and drive more *young women have closed the gender gap

Safety on the Road: feel less safe on the road because

driver distractions

inattention blindness

failing to see visible objects when our attention is directed elsewhere

Bicycle Safety

- To DECREASE the risk for injury when riding a bike @ night, children should wear light - colored clothing that has fluorescent material attached -Measure along with fluorescent material on the bike itself makes bike riders more visible to motor vehicle drivers & other bike riders - To DECREASE the risk for injury, bike riders should ride in the direction of the flow of traffic Two-thirds of the deaths occurred in riders who were not wearing helmets; eight in ten of the victims were adults, most of them men. Only about half of cyclists wear helmets. On college campuses, even fewer students—12 to 25 percent—opt for helmets. Yet in a study of students requiring emergency care for a bicycle-related head injury, only 4 percent were wearing helmets.

Safety on the Road: An average of _____ people die every day in motor vehicle crashes—approximately 1 every ____ minutes.

117 12

sexual harassment on campus

80% of incidents are peer-to-peer Three main types: Gender harassment (most common) -Sexually degrading or sexist remarks and behaviors Unwanted sexual attention -Inappropriate and offensive sexual comments, behaviors, or advances Sexual bribery and imposition -Promise of reward in return for sex or threat of punishment for withholding sex, and forceful physical attempts at sexual contact Nearly two-thirds of students experience sexual harassment at some point during college, including nearly one-third of first-year students. Nearly one-third of students say they have experienced physical harassment, such as being touched, grabbed, or pinched in a sexual way. Sexual comments and jokes are the most common form of harassment. More than half of female students and nearly half of male students say they have experienced this type of harassment. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students, as well as those with physical disabilities such as deafness, are more likely than other students to be sexually harassed. Sexual harassment takes an especially heavy toll on female students, who often feel upset, self-conscious, embarrassed, or angry. Men are much less likely to admit to being very or somewhat upset. One-third of harassed college women say they have felt afraid; one-fifth say they have been disappointed in their college experience as a result of sexual harassment. About half of college men and one-third of women admit that they have sexually harassed someone on campus. Private college students are more likely than their public college peers to have ever done so. Students at large schools (population 10,000 or more) are more likely than students at small schools with fewer than 5,000 students to say they have experienced sexual harassment. The most common rationale for harassment is "I thought it was funny." Harassment occurs in dorms or student housing as well as outside on campus grounds and in classrooms or lecture halls.

acquaintance or date rape stats

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Justice, 9 in 10 reported rapes and sexual assaults in the United States involve a single offender with whom the victim had a prior relationship. Both men and women may find their judgment impaired or their communications unclear as a result of drinking.

Why Accidents Happen

Age. Injury is the leading cause of death during the first four decades of life in the United States. Every day more than 2,000 children and teenagers die from an injury that could have been prevented. The five most common causes of unintentional injury are road traffic injuries, drowning, burns, falls, and poisoning. Most victims of fatal accidents are males. Feeling full of life and energy, they may take dangerous risks because they think they're invulnerable. Alcohol. An estimated 40 percent of Americans are involved in an alcohol-related accident sometime during their lives. Alcohol plays a role in about a quarter of fatal motor vehicle accidents and half of fatal motorcycle crashes. Stress. When we're tense and anxious, we all pay less attention to what we're doing. One common result is an increase in accidents. If you find yourself having a series of small mishaps or near-misses, do something to lower your stress level rather than wait for something more harmful to happen (see Chapter 4). When facing danger, take deep, controlled, regular breaths—a technique first-responders learn in their training. Situational Factors. Some situations—such as driving on a curvy, wet road in a car with worn tires—are so inherently dangerous that they greatly increase the odds of an accident. But even when there's greater risk, you can lower the danger: for instance, you can make sure your tires and brakes are in good condition. Thrill Seeking. To some people, activities that others might find terrifying—such as skydiving or parachute jumping—are stimulating. These thrill seekers may have lower-than- normal levels of the brain chemicals that regulate excitement. Because the stress of potentially hazardous sports may increase the levels of these chemicals, they feel pleasantly aroused rather than scared.

intimate partner violence stats

Almost one in three undergraduate women at a college in the United States was assaulted by a male dating partner in the past year. At 31 different sites worldwide, 17 to 49 percent of college students reported perpetrating physical assault against a dating partner in the past year. The median rate was 29 percent.

Security program (do it yourself)

Avoid walking alone in the evening or night.Take advantage of campus shuttle or escort services. If none is available, stick to well-lit routes. Train yourself to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.Visualize potential exit routes in case of an emergency. Always carry your cell phone and enough money so that you can take a taxi home if you find yourself in a dicey situation. Program the campus security number into your cell phone's speed dial numbers so you can access it with a single key stroke. Always lock your doors and any first- and second-floor windows at night.Don't compromise your safety for a roommate or friend who asks you to leave the door unlocked. Never leave your ID, wallet, checkbook, jewelry, cameras, and other valuables in open view. Be careful what information and which photographs you post online on social networking sites. You never know who will see them. Never drive when you're drowsy or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Always wear a seat belt. Never give a ride to hitchhikers or anyone you don't know.

rape vulnerability

Both women and men report having been forced into sexual activity by someone they know. Many college students are in the age group most likely to face this threat: women ages 16 to 25 and men under 25. Women are most vulnerable and men are most likely to commit assaults during their senior year of high school and their first year of college. According to surveys of undergraduates, LGBT individuals and male undergraduates are less likely to report a sexual assault or to seek help afterward. The same factors that lead to other forms of sexual victimization can set the stage for date rape. Socialization into an aggressive role, acceptance of rape myths, and a view that force is justified in certain situations increase the likelihood of a man's committing date rape. (See Health Now! How to Avoid Date Rape.)

college students targets for stalking

College students tend to live close to each other and to have flexible schedules and large amounts of unsupervised time. Most college women know their stalkers. About half are acquaintances; a high percentage of them are classmates, boyfriends, or ex-boyfriends. In one study, about half of the women stalked on campus said they had not sought help from anyone. Those who did seek assistance turned to friends, parents, residence hall advisers, or police.

Gun violence in the US

Compared with other industrialized nations, the United States has low rates of violent assaults but uniquely high mortality rates from gun homicide and suicide.

strategies to keep campuses safe

Enforcing codes of conduct Imposing tougher sanctions, including expulsion, for serious misconduct Implementing zero-tolerance policies for campus violence Building a sense of community Screening out students who pose a real threat Warning students about criminal activity at orientation, through the campus newspaper, in residence halls, and through campus Internet communications devices

at home accidents

Every year home accidents cause nearly 25 million injuries. Over 30 percent of fatal injuries to adolescents occur in the home. Poison poses the greatest threat, causing about 30,000 deaths every year; 93 percent are the result of drug overdose, mostly from opioid pain medications. Half a million children swallow poisonous materials each year. Adults may also be poisoned by mistakenly taking someone else's prescription drugs or taking medicines in the dark and swallowing the wrong one.

why a person becomes violent and punches, kicks, stabs, or fires a gun at someone else.

Expression. Some people use violence to release feelings of anger or frustration. Manipulation. For some, violence is a way of controlling others or getting something they want. Retaliation. Individuals may use violence to get back at those who have hurt them or their loved ones.

bicycle facts to know and steps to take

Facts to Know Bike helmets can prevent 85 percent of cyclists' head injuries, which cause 75 percent of bicycle-related deaths. Even a low-speed fall on a bicycle path can result in a head injury. Laws in 22 states and at least 192 localities require helmets. Steps to Take Always look inside a helmet for a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sticker before purchasing. Check the fit. A helmet should sit level on your head, touching all around, comfortably snug but not tight. The helmet should not move more than about an inch in either direction, regardless of how hard you tug at it. Pick a bright color for visibility. Avoid dark colors, thin straps, or a rigid visor that could snag in a fall. Look for a smooth plastic outer shell, not one with alternating strips of plastic and foam. Watch out for excessive vents, which put less protective foam in contact with your head in a crash.

Safety on the Road: accidents involving young drivers are due to three all-too-common errors:

Failing to scan the environment by looking ahead and to the left and the right while driving Going too fast for road conditions (even if under the speed limit) Being distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle

falls at home

Falls of all kinds are the second leading cause of death from unintentional injury in the United States. High heels or worn footgear, poor lighting, slippery or uneven walkways, broken stairs and handrails, loose or worn rugs, and objects left where people walk all increase the likelihood of a slip.

firearms use

Firearms are involved in 68% of homicides 52% of suicides 43% of robberies 21% of aggravated assaults 85% of fatal suicide attempts

IPV risk factors

Gender. Both men and women experience acts of violence and aggression by their partners, but the violence perpetrated against women by men is likely to be much more severe and potentially injurious. Sexual minority.Compared with heterosexual students, male and female sexual-minority undergraduates (defined as having had any same-sex sexual experience) report significantly higher rates of physical sexual violence, sexual assault, and unwanted pursuit. Sexual-minority women (but not men) reported significantly higher rates of physical dating violence than heterosexual students. Violence in the family of origin. Childhood exposure to violence and abuse are risk factors for dating violence, especially for women. Emotional states and mental health. Negative emotions, particularly anger, anxiety, and depression, are associated with dating violence. Women who behave violently are more likely to be victims of partner violence and to have high levels of depression, anger, and hostility. Men who behave violently show more antisocial personality characteristics and have lower educational and economic status. Substance use and abuse.Drugs and alcohol reduce the ability to resist unwanted physical or sexual advances and/or may prevent a victim from being able to interpret warning cues of a potential assault. Sexual risk taking.Involvement with strangers and individuals who are close acquaintances may increase the risk for dating violence.

fire at home

If a fire starts and it's small, you may be able to put it out with a portable fire extinguisher before it spreads. However, if the fire does get out of control, you might have only two to five minutes to get out of the house or building alive. A fire-escape plan can save time and lives. Sketch a plan of your house, apartment building, dormitory, or fraternity or sorority house. Identify two ways out of each room or apartment. Make sure everyone is familiar with these escape routes. Designate an area outside where all family members or dorm residents should meet after escaping from a fire. In a national survey, the majority of colleges had at least one dorm without a sprinkler system. If a fire breaks out in your dorm room, get out as quickly as possible, but don't run. Before opening a room door, place your hand on it. If it's hot, don't open it. If the door feels cool, open it slightly to check for smoke; if there's none, leave by your planned escape route. If you're on an upper floor and your escape routes are blocked, open a window (top and bottom, if possible) and wait or signal from the window for help. Never try to use an elevator in a fire.

violence, potential signs

Increased loss of temper Frequent physical fighting Increased use of alcohol or drugs Increased risk-taking behavior Declining school performance Acute episode of major mental illness Planning how to commit acts of violence Announcing threats or plans for hurting others Obtaining or carrying a weapon

Fatalities of drunk driving has decreased b/c:

Increases in the drinking age. Educational programs aimed at reducing nighttime driving by teens. The formation of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD, originally called Students Against Drunk Driving) and similar groups. Changes in state laws to lower the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level for young drivers. (Some states have zero tolerance blood-alcohol level for drivers under 21.)

The factors that increase the risk of unintentional injury in young adults include the following:

Lower economic status Male gender Smoking Binge drinking Drunk driving Illicit drug use Short sleep duration Inadequate sleep Psychological distress (depression, anxiety) Danger or risk seeking Type-A behavior pattern (irritable, easily angered) Low social support

Road rage prevention strategies

Lower the stress in your life. Take a few moments to breathe deeply and relax your shoulders before putting the key in the ignition. Consciously decide not to let other drivers get to you. Tell yourself that whatever happens, it's not going to make your blood pressure go up. Slow down. If you're going 5 or 10 miles over the speed limit, you won't have the time you need to react to anything that happens. Modify bad driving habits one at a time. If you tend to tailgate slow drivers, spend a week driving at twice your usual following distance. If you're a habitual horn honker, silence yourself. Be courteous—even if other drivers aren't. Don't dawdle in the passing lane. Never tailgate or switch lanes without signaling. Don't use your horn or high beams unless absolutely necessary. Never retaliate. Whatever another driver does, keep your cool. Count to 10. Take a deep breath. If you yell or gesture at someone who's upset with you, the conflict may escalate. If you do something stupid, show that you're sorry. On its website, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety solicited suggestions for automotive apologies. The most popular: slapping yourself on your forehead or the top of your head to indicate that you know you goofed. Such gestures can soothe a miffed motorist—and make the roads a slightly safer place for all of us.

gender and risk of injury

Men are ten times more likely to die of an occupational injury than women. Males are most often the victims and the perpetrators of homicides in the United States. In about 68 percent of cases reported by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, both the offender and the victim were male. Overall, men are 3.6 times more likely than women to be murdered and 9 times more likely to commit murder. Both men and women are more likely to kill or attempt to kill male victims than female victims. Men are more likely than women to be assaulted as adults. The genders also differ in their fear of crime. In a recent study, women—but not men—tended to become less apprehensive and to feel less vulnerable as they became older. Increased income correlated with higher levels of fear for men but lower levels for women.

Avoid Distracted Driving U.S. Department of Transportation offers these safety precautions:

Never text or talk on your cell phone while you're behind the wheel. Turn off the ringer on your phone and set the phone out of reach while you're driving. Never eat, drink, primp, focus on a GPS device, read, or surf through radio stations or playlists while you drive. If you happen to call someone who is driving, suggest that the driver call you back when he or she is done driving.

rape stats

Over the course of five years (the national average for a college career), including summers and vacations, one of every four or five female students is raped. In a single academic year, 3 percent of coeds are raped—35 rapes for every 1,000 women. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a campus with 6,000 coeds averages 1 rape a day every day for the entire school year. In nine surveys of male university students, between 3 and 6 percent had been raped by other men; up to 25 percent had been sexually assaulted. Like female rape victims, male victims suffer long-term psychological problems and physical injuries and are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

computer tips

Place the keyboard so that your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle and you don't have to bend your wrists to type. Use a chair that provides ample back support. Keep your thighs parallel to the floor and your feet on the floor. If your feet don't reach the floor, use a footrest. If you experience neck strain, place a document holder next to your screen so that you can view the materials more easily. Every 15 minutes take a 30-second break, stretch your arms, and walk around the office. Take a 15-minute break at least once every two hours.

first step to ensuring your personal safety

Recognizing the threat of intentional and unintentional injury

Stalking

Repeatedly following, harassing, or threatening an individual

Sexting

Sending or posting sexually suggestive content with images or text messages about seven in ten of adolescents (ages 12 to 18) reported having received sexually oriented material, while two-thirds reported having sent it.

violence:Other signs of potential violence may escalate or contribute to the risk of violence given a certain event or activity:

Serious drug or alcohol use Gang membership or strong desire to be in a gang Access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns Trouble controlling feelings like anger Withdrawal from friends and usual activities Regularly feeling rejected or alone Feeling constantly disrespected

statutory rape

Sexual intercourse between a male over the age of 16 and a female under the age of consent (which ranges from 12 to 21 in different states) is called

stalking results

Stalking is not a benign behavior and can result in emotional or psychological distress, physical harm, or sexual assault. The most common consequence is psychological, with victims reporting emotional or psychological distress. Simply because they are young and still learning how to manage complex social relationships, some individuals may not recognize their behavior as stalking or even as disturbing.

What to do in an emergency

Stop, look, and listen. Your immediate response to an emergency may be overwhelming fear and anxiety. Take several deep breaths. Start by assessing the circumstances. Look for any possible dangers to you or the victim, such as a live electrical wire or a fire. Listen for sounds, such as a cry for help or a siren. Don't attempt rescue techniques, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), unless you're trained. Don't wait for symptoms to go away or get worse. If you suspect that someone is having a heart attack or stroke, or has ingested something poisonous, phone for help immediately. A delay could jeopardize the person's life. Don't move a victim. The person may have a broken neck or back, and attempting to move him or her could cause extensive damage or even death. Don't drive. Even if the hospital is just ten minutes away, you're better off waiting for a well-equipped ambulance with trained paramedics who can deliver emergency care on the spot. Don't do too much. Often well-intentioned good Samaritans make injuries worse by trying to tie tourniquets, wash cuts, or splint broken limbs. Also, don't give an injured person anything to eat or drink. At home, keep a supply of basic first-aid items in a convenient place. Beyond the emergency number 911, make sure that telephone numbers for your doctor and neighbors are handy.

mass shooting and reasons

The killing of 4 or more victims in a single location; less than 2% of all gun violence underlying psychosocial issues in mass shooters, including the following: Social alienation Problems with self-esteem A persecutory/paranoid outlook Narcissism Depression Suicidality Family dysfunction Mass shootings often reinforce common misconceptions, including the assumptions that mental illness causes gun violence, that psychiatrists can predict gun crime, that shootings represent the deranged acts of mentally ill loners, and that gun control won't prevent other mass shootings. Yet surprisingly little research-based evidence supports these notions. As mental health professionals note, Less than 3 to 5 percent of crimes involve people with mental illness, and the percentage for gun-related crimes committed by those with mental illness is lower than the national average for persons not diagnosed with mental illness. Fewer than 5 percent of the 120,000 gun-related killings in the United States are perpetrated by people diagnosed with mental illness. Mass shootings represent distortions of, rather than depictions of, the actions of mentally ill people as a whole. The vast majority of people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders do not commit violent acts. Only about 4 percent of violence in the United States can be attributed to people diagnosed with mental illness.

Disclosure and Support

They are more likely to do so if they Are female Are white Are younger Are of higher socioeconomic status Attach anger/jealousy motives to the violence Feel less shame or fear regarding the violence Experience psychological or stalking-related violence Experience greater severity and frequency of violence Have someone witness the violence Victims report that the most helpful reaction following disclosure is emotional support; the least helpful reactions are expressing disbelief and blaming the victim. Disclosure and social support following disclosure are associated with better mental health and psychological recovery.

People who respond well in a crisis tend to have three underlying psychological attributes:

They believe that they can influence events. (Refer to the discussion of self-efficacy in Chapter 1.) They are able to find meaningful purpose in turmoil and trauma. (See the discussion on spirituality in Chapter 2.) They know that they can learn from both positive and negative experiences.

computer vision syndrome

a condition caused by computer use marked by tired and sore eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck, shoulder, and back pain it afflicts nearly 90 percent of workers who use computers and also is common among children and students of all ages. The eye focuses on a computer image differently from the way it focuses on a printed one. The pixels that appear on a computer screen, unlike printed characters, are bright in the center and gradually fade away into the background color. This makes it difficult for the eye to sustain focus. Optometrists have developed a specific method, called a PRIO examination, that simulates how the eye responds to pixels on a computer screen. It can determine the need and proper prescription for computer-only eyeglasses.

hate crime

a criminal act against a person or a person's property by an offender motivated by racial or other bias More than half of hate or bias crimes on campus are motivated by race. Twenty percent of students, faculty, and staff surveyed fear for their physical safety because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These crimes can take the form of graffiti; verbal slurs; bombings; threatening notes, e-mails, or phone calls; and physical attacks. They often generate fear and intimidation in large groups of students, undermining health, academic work, and the basic security of a campus. Victims of anti-gay hate crime report significant levels of fear of revictimization and frequently make changes in their behavior to avoid future harassment or violence, including changing the way they dress, attempting to act "straight," and staying away from situations and areas known to be associated with lesbians and gay men. These strategies may increase susceptibility to mental health problems. Beyond the immediate victims, hate crimes affect the psychological and emotional well-being of entire groups, with individuals of similar backgrounds or orientations reporting depression, anxiety, pain, and anger that, for some, result in feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.

red zone

a period of time early in the first year of college when women are at especially high risk for unwanted sexual experiences the time period between freshman move-in and fall break wherein there is a particularly high risk of victimization." Unwanted touching and attempted intercourse are the most common behaviors reported, although researchers have also documented sexual assaults and rapes. Women who had a nonconsensual sexual experience while drinking prior to college are at increased risk. In a recent survey of more than 1,000 undergraduates, nearly two-thirds reported knowing one or more women who have been victims of sexual assault, and over half (52.4%) reported knowing one or more men who have perpetrated sexual assault.

unintentional injury

an injury that occurs without harm being intended Almost 75 percent of deaths among Americans 15 to 24 years old

rape

any form of sexual intercourse that takes place against a person's will

sexual victimization

any situation in which an individual is coerced or forced to comply with or endure another's sexual acts or overtures In a recent survey of almost 2,000 students, 38 percent (29 percent of men and 43 percent of women) reported sexual violence victimization. Almost 6 percent (15 percent of men and 4 percent of women) admitted that they had perpetrated sexual violence.

violent intimate relationships

characterized by mutual aggression, and partners may be both victims and perpetrators. They are often also victims or perpetrators of other forms of violence. College students may be at greater risk for several reasons, including alcohol use, drug use, and risky sexual behaviors. Perpetrators may engage in a host of behaviors that prevent victims from fully engaging in college. This may increase the risk of dropping classes, scholastic failure, and school withdrawal, which can impair their academic performance.

violence and crime on campus

college students are victims of almost half a million violent crimes a year, including assault, robbery, sexual assault, and rape. violent crime rate has dropped from 88 to 41 victimizations per 1,000 students in the past decade College students ages 18 to 24 are less likely to be victims of violent crime, including robbery and assault, than non-students of the same age. More than half (58 percent) of crimes against students are committed by strangers. More than nine in ten occur off campus, most often in an open area or street, on public transportation, in a place of business, or at a private home. In about two-thirds of the crimes, no weapon is involved. Most off-campus crimes occur at night, while on-campus crimes are more frequent in the day. Male college students are twice as likely as female students to be victims of violence overall. White undergraduates have higher rates of violent victimization than students of other races. Simple assault accounts for two-thirds of violent crimes against students; sexual assault or rape accounts for around 6 percent. Substance use increases the risk of sexual and physical victimization of college students. College women are more likely to report sexual violence associated with most forms of substance use, while college men are more likely to be victims of physical violence. About three in four campus crimes are never reported to the police. The main reasons students give for not reporting crimes are that they are too minor or private or they are not certain that the action was a crime. Individuals also may be ashamed or too emotionally overwhelmed to contact authorities. According to researchers, only 2 percent of victimized college women report crimes to the police. The most frequent reason for not reporting sexual and physical incidents is that they didn't seem serious enough. However, women who were sexually victimized also felt ashamed, feared that they would be held responsible, or didn't want anyone to know what happened. Nonwhite women were significantly more likely than white women to say that they did not report an incident to the police because they thought they would be blamed or because they did not want the police involved. According to surveys of undergraduates, LGBT individuals and male undergraduates are less likely to report a sexual assault or seek help. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, originally known as the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act, requires colleges to publish annual crime statistics for their campuses. However, the act excludes certain offenses, such as theft, threats, harassment, and vandalism, so the picture it presents may not be complete. campuses have implemented dozens of programs to halt violence, and many have proven effective. Some use posters to raise awareness of dating violence. Others have designed sexual violence prevention programs for members of fraternities, sororities, and intercollegiate athletic teams. Many have established codes of conduct barring the use of alcohol and drugs, fighting, and sexual harassment and have instituted policies requiring suspension or expulsion for students who violate the codes. Some schools are experimenting with social media messages and training bystanders to intervene to prevent problems such as violence against women.

carpal tunnel syndrome

compression of the median nerve as it passes between the ligament and the bones and tendons of the wrist About 20 percent of people with pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands may have carpal tunnel syndrome, an overuse injury caused by repetitive motions in the hands and wrists.

covictimization

experiencing both physical and sexual forms of intimate partner violence In one study of college women, 64 percent were covictimized since adolescence, although not necessarily by the same partner. These women, who report more psychological abuse, more intimidation, and more severe forms of physical and sexual violence, are at greater risk for anxiety, traumatic stress, and depression. Even after a breakup, their former partners are more likely to pursue, stalk, threaten, or assault them.

stranger rape

forced, unwanted sexual intercourse with someone the victim doesn't know Both acquaintance and stranger rapes are serious crimes that can have a devastating impact on their victims.

power rape

generally a premeditated attack motivated by a desire to dominate and control another person. Power rapists, unable to deal with stress and their sense of failure, may rape to regain a sense of power. They use only as much force as needed to make their victims submit and may find the rape sexually gratifying, even though that's not their primary motive.

campus shooting

have a psychological impact on students on other campuses as well. In a study of students at a school in the same geographical area, the most common reaction was greater caution in social settings.

The most common motorcycle injury is

head trauma

repetitive motion injury

inflammation of or damage to a part of the body due to repetition of the same movements have surpassed back and neck injuries as the number one claim for workers' compensation injuries.

environmental hazards at work,

noise and toxic substances annually about one million workers suffer musculoskeletal disorders of the lower back and upper extremities as a result of their "particular jobs and working conditions—including heavy lifting, repetitive and forceful motions, and stressful working conditions."

among the reasons college students give for not wearing helmets are the following

physical discomfort cost biking only a short distance inconvenience vanity concerns about ridicule impaired vision when wearing a helmet

sexual coercion

physically nonviolent pressure to engage in unwanted sex Estimates of the prevalence of sexual coercion range from 29 to 33 percent. Intimate partners may use overwhelming psychological pressure to obtain sex, escalating to physical force if they do not get their way. About 20 percent of students say they have coerced a partner into sex in the previous 12 months, and 24 percent of students report having been victims of sexual coercion. Rates of sexual coercion—for example, making a partner have sex without a condom or insisting on sex when a partner does not want to—are higher for men than women. In a study of 387 college men, sexual arousal was significantly related to "overperception" of a woman's sexual interest and to sexually coercive behaviors.

Avoid Distracted Driving of distractions

visual, manual, cognitive, social Visual. Taking your eyes off the road—to read a text, check a navigation device, watch a video, look in the mirror, glance at something off to the side, etc. Manual. Taking your hands off the wheel to change a station or playlist, text, make a call, eat or drink something, etc. Cognitive. Taking your mind off what you're doing—to listen to lyrics, chat with a friend, place a call, pay attention to a podcast, think about what you have to do that day, etc. Social. Driving with passengers can be distracting—and dangerous. Young male drivers, at greater risk of automobile accidents than female and older drivers, drive faster when they have a friend in the car, particularly if in a happy mood.

sadistic rape

premeditated assault that often involves bondage, torture, or sexual abuse. Sadistic rapists find power and anger sexually arousing and may subject victims to rituals of humiliation or torture. They're often preoccupied with violent pornography; their motives are more complex and difficult to understand than those of other types of rapists.

rape resistance

resisting verbally and physically, usually by yelling and fleeing. Women who use forceful verbal or physical resistance (screaming, hitting, kicking, biting, and running) are more likely to avoid rape than women who try pleading, crying, or offering no resistance.

nonvolitional sex

sexual behavior that violates a person's right to choose when and with whom to have sex and what sexual behaviors to engage in

date rape

sexual intercourse that is forced on a victim by someone the victim knows

sexual victimization roots

social attitudes and beliefs that demean a particular gender and condone aggression. According to international research, much sexual violence takes place within families, marriage, and dating relationships. In many settings, rape is a culturally approved strategy to control and discipline women. In these places, laws and policies to improve women's status are critical to ending sexual coercion.

Safety on the Road: is at greatest risk for distracted driving

teens and young adults

don't talk or text

texting is the most perilous because it involves three types of distractions. Even if your cell phone is a hands-free model, using it while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk. An estimated 26 percent of all motor vehicle accidents are caused by drivers using a cell phone. Driving while dialing a cell phone makes the risk of a crash or near-crash three times more likely than if a driver were not distracted; texting increases the risk twentyfold. These activities distract the brain as well as the eyes—much more so than talking to another person in the vehicle. Conversations between drivers and passengers tend to slow down or stop as driving conditions change. Conversation on any type of phone leads to what researchers call "inattention blindness"----, the inability to recognize objects encountered in the driver's visual field. This form of cognitive impairment may distract drivers for up to two minutes after a phone conversation has ended. Cell phone use delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood-alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. Footnote Many states have passed laws banning use of a cell phone to text or talk while driving.

marital rape

the most common around the world, is a form of domestic abuse. Once ignored or condoned by the laws in many countries, it is now considered a crime in many nations.

friends helping friends

train young adults ages 18 to 22 in skills that could help them recognize and intervene in dating violence.

sexual harassment

unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature

sexual gratification rape

usually an impulsive attack by someone willing to use physical coercion for the sake of sex. These rapists generally use no more force than needed to get a partner to submit and may stop the attack if it becomes clear they'll have to use extreme violence to overcome resistance. Many acquaintance rapes fit into this category.

anger rape

usually on a total stranger, is motivated by hatred and a desire for revenge for the rejection the rapist feels he's suffered from women. Anger rapists often harbor long-standing hostility toward women, use far more physical violence than is needed to get submission, and usually don't find the rape sexually gratifying.

consequences from campus violence

victims of violent crime often suffer lasting psychological and emotional effects. Some victims take a leave of absence or transfer to another school. Those who remain in school may have problems concentrating, studying, and attending classes, and they may avoid academic and social activities. Some develop clinical symptoms that affect their mental and physical health. (See Chapter 4, on stress.)

intimate partner violence (IPV)

violence that occurs between individuals who maintain a romantic or sexual relationship Physical violence. The threat of or the use of force on one's partner to cause harm or death. Sexual violence. The threat of or the use of force to engage a partner in sexual activity without consent, an attempted or completed sexual act without consent, or abusive sexual contact. Psychological violence.The use of threats, actions, or coercive tactics that cause trauma or emotional harm to a partner.