With a suspected serial rapist still at large, Columbus residents are taking extra security precautions.
“Never assume someone is locking the door [to your residence],” said University Police Lt. Rick Green. He also suggested students use the Student Escort Service, which provides students with free rides on campus.
Caragh Rose, a freshman in English, said she feels safe because she knows where the campus emergency stations are.
“Besides, I’ve got campus escort in my phone,” she said.
Caty Ferritto, a senior in anthropology, said she makes an effort to walk in well-lit areas.
“I think that people want to get home quicker and walk down alleys,” Ferritto said. But the crowded path is usually safer, she said.
Rose said she heard that the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers self-defense classes are at full capacity. Crime Stoppers was not available for comment.
“There are just so many women who are terrified by the whole idea of a serial rapist in the Columbus area,” Rose said.
More students have been calling the Student Wellness Center to ask about the rapist and self-defense classes, said Nancy Radcliffe, campus advocacy program coordinator for the Student Wellness Center.
Radcliffe said she tells callers about the two self-defense classes offered by the Student Wellness Center at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center. One class is offered for all women in the community, and the other can be taken for credit as an elective. The college course is listed as EDU-PAES 172.01.
The Student Wellness Center also offers an anonymous 24-hour rape help line at 614-267-7020.
Green said University Police offer Rape Aggression Defense Systems classes for students throughout the year. The free classes consist of five three-hour segments. Students can find out more information at www.ps.ohio-state.edu/police/rad.
Matt Hancharick can be reached at [email protected].
