Self-Defense For Students At Mary Washington University

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) is a public liberal arts university in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The UMW Department of Police and Public Safety is committed to fostering a safe learning environment for students, providing Rape Aggression Defense training and promoting safety on campus. However, students at UMW have faced concerns about their safety, including online harassment and incidents of violence against women. While the University provides resources and support, students have also taken proactive measures such as purchasing pepper spray for self-defense. The University of Washington, on the other hand, faced concerns about student safety due to nearby registered sex offenders and instances of crime, prompting discussions about the role of campus police and partnerships with local law enforcement.

Students at Mary Washington University can defend themselves with pepper spray

Students at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) can defend themselves with pepper spray, as it is legal to buy, ship, carry, and use pepper spray in the state of Washington. The University of Mary Washington is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and is a public liberal arts university.

Pepper spray is a non-lethal option for self-defence, which can be easily carried and used. It is also a more economical option compared to other self-defence weapons. Pepper spray can be purchased for $40 or less and can be easily carried in a small handbag, clipped to a belt, or attached to a backpack strap.

It is important to note that there are age restrictions on purchasing and carrying pepper spray. In Washington, a person must be at least 18 years old to buy and carry pepper spray. Additionally, it is important to familiarize oneself with the proper use of pepper spray to ensure effective self-defence.

The University of Mary Washington Police Department is a full-service accredited state law enforcement agency that provides 24-hour patrol coverage, investigative services, crime prevention strategies, and support services to the UMW community. While reported crime at UMW is low, the university is located in an urban setting and shares similar crime and safety issues as other cities. The University encourages students, faculty, staff, and visitors to be vigilant and take advantage of the safety resources offered by the University.

The University of Mary Washington Police Department provides Rape Aggression Defense training

The University of Mary Washington Police Department is a full-service accredited state law enforcement agency that provides Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) training to the UMW community. The R.A.D. training is a comprehensive course that focuses on self-defense techniques, awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance. It is designed to educate and empower women to make informed decisions about resistance in the face of a sexual assault attack.

The R.A.D. training offered by the University of Mary Washington Police Department is a total of 9 hours, conducted over three days, with each session lasting three hours and including breaks. The training is specifically tailored to women and is trans-inclusive. It covers a range of topics, including lecture, discussion, and hands-on physical self-defense techniques. The hands-on physical self-defense techniques taught in the R.A.D. training empower women to defend themselves physically from a sexual assault attack.

The University of Mary Washington Police Department's R.A.D. training is facilitated by trained and certified instructors, including police officers and staff. The training is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with a limited number of participants per session to ensure a safe and effective learning environment. The department's commitment to providing R.A.D. training reflects its dedication to fostering a safe learning and working environment for the UMW community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.

The University of Mary Washington Police Department's R.A.D. training is just one aspect of their comprehensive approach to campus safety. The department also provides 24-hour patrol coverage, investigative services, crime prevention strategies, and victim/witness support. They maintain the highest standards for ethics, accountability, and personal responsibility in all their endeavours, striving to build a community of trust through partnerships, transparency, and fair and impartial policing.

The University of Mary Washington has been criticised for not doing enough to protect students from online harassment

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has been criticised for its handling of online harassment directed at its students. In 2018, a federal appeals court ruled that the university could have done more to protect its students from online harassment, stating that it could not "turn a blind eye to the sexual harassment that pervaded and disrupted its campus". This ruling has significant implications for free speech and anonymous social media messages on college campuses.

The case centres around the student-run group Feminists United, which was subjected to threatening and sexist comments on the anonymous messaging app Yik Yak. The group had taken public stands on campus issues, including speaking out against the idea of bringing fraternities to campus and criticising a sexist chant by members of the rugby team. When the rugby team was suspended, supporters blamed Feminists United, leading to a wave of harassment. The comments included specific threats of violent acts, accompanied by the whereabouts of named members of the group.

Feminists United and their lawyers argued that the university's response to these threats was insufficient and constituted illegal sex discrimination. The university's response included condemning the harassment, organising forums for students to express their concerns, and sending a campus police officer with a threatened student. However, the university refused to block Yik Yak on campus, citing concerns over students' free speech rights.

The appeals court ruled that the university's response to the sexual harassment and threats was not legally sufficient, despite the university's First Amendment concerns. The court suggested that the university had several options to address the harassment that did not present First Amendment concerns. The ruling also stated that the university was deliberately indifferent to the harassment and that there was enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

This case highlights the complex issue of balancing free speech and student safety in the digital age. It remains to be seen whether the University of Mary Washington will appeal the decision or make changes to its policies and practices to better protect its students from online harassment.

The University of Mary Washington has a crime rate of 33.42 incidents per 1,000 students

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) is a public liberal arts university in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It has a crime rate of 33.42 incidents per 1,000 students, with a total of 150 incidents reported in 2019. These incidents took place at or near the campus or on other properties affiliated with the school.

The UMW Department of Police and Public Safety provides a safe and secure environment for the university community. It is a full-service accredited state law enforcement agency that offers 24-hour patrol coverage, investigative services, crime prevention strategies, Rape Aggression Defense training, and victim/witness support. The department is committed to providing the highest level of professional police and public safety services to foster a safe learning and working environment.

The UMW Crime Report log is maintained by the UMW Department of Public Safety and is available for review 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Communications Center in Brent House. The log includes the Clery Act UMW Daily Crime Log and is updated within 48 hours of an incident, unless it could jeopardize a criminal investigation.

While reported crime at UMW is low, it is important to remember that the university is located in an urban setting and shares many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city. The safety and security of the university are a combined responsibility of the entire community, and the university police work in partnership with the community to prevent crime and solve problems that affect students, faculty, and staff.

The types of crimes reported at UMW are divided into several categories, including arrests for major crimes, arrests for possession, violence against women, and disciplinary actions. Disciplinary actions account for the majority of incidents at 76.7%, while arrests for major crimes make up about 17.3% of incidents. Acts of violence against women accounted for 3.3% of incidents, and arrests for possession made up 2.7%.

The University of Mary Washington is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.

The University of Mary Washington Police Department provides 24-hour patrol coverage

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) is a public liberal arts university in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The University of Mary Washington Police Department provides 24-hour patrol coverage, investigative services, crime prevention strategies, Rape Aggression Defense training, and victim/witness support to the UMW community.

The UMW Police Department is a full-service accredited state law enforcement agency. The department was recently reaccredited for four more years by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC), which assesses agency operations for efficiency and effectiveness. This accreditation enhances the quality of service and credibility of the law enforcement agency and fosters openness and trust in the community.

The University of Mary Washington is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its community. In addition to law enforcement, the university provides resources, personnel, and procedures to proactively promote safety on campus. The university maintains the highest standards for ethics, accountability, and personal responsibility in all its endeavours.

While reported crime at UMW is low, it is important for the community to be vigilant as the university is located in an urban setting. The university shares many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city. In partnership with the community, the UMW Police Department works to prevent crime and solve problems that affect students, faculty, and staff.

The UMW Police Department's community policing philosophies reinforce its commitment to outreach, education, and close partnerships with members of the community. The department strives to build a community of trust through partnerships, transparency, and fair and impartial policing. The department's professionals are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the individuals they serve.

In summary, the University of Mary Washington Police Department plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of the university community. Through their 24-hour patrol coverage, proactive community engagement, and dedication to the highest standards of ethics and accountability, they strive to create a safe and conducive environment for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.

Frequently asked questions