Throughout the past year, the number of some on campus violations and reports have went up by close to or more than double including stalking and dating violence.
According to the FSU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, the number of stalking incidents have more than doubled, going from 20 to 55 within the last year. The numbers in the reports represent whether a crime was reported committed. With these incidents occurring on campus, the victims have been Ferris community members.
Dean of Student Life Lina Blair stated a few reasons as to why the reporting numbers regarding stalking incidents have doubled.
“There are several reasons why reporting numbers would be different from year to year,” Blair said. “Often times, there’s a misconception that an increase in reporting numbers means an increase in policy violations on campus. Report numbers can increase due to things like increased staff trainings, student awareness of resources on campus and the perception that we will handle these concerns effectively.”
According to the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, stalking is the only crime to have reported numbers more than double. Most other crimes have had reports go down. Within the last year, the other two types of crimes to have higher reports were dating violence (going from 12 to 20) and rape (going from 12 to 14).
The Anti-Violence Alliance offers items and information to students across campus about different situations. In addition to this, they also help raise awareness about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Violence Prevention Coordinator Sydney Mingori finds it important for students to learn about that month, as well as National Stalking Awareness Month so that students can be more mindful about potential attacks or incidents.
“The university supports the Anti-Violence Alliance, which provides resources to educate the campus community about stalking,” Mingori said. “Every January, we host programming for National Stalking Awareness Month and offer microprograms that teach students how to navigate rejection and recognize harmful behaviors.”
The microprograms include lectures and oral presentations covering secondary traumatic stress, trauma, crisis management and other helpful topics.
In addition to talking about National Stalking Awareness Month, Mingori also finds it crucial that students are aware of the numbers, as well as the fact that stalking and other incidents can occur on campus.
“Understanding what is prevalent on our campus is crucial, and we must educate ourselves to be able to intervene in any potential harmful situations,” Mingori said. “Through education, we can create a positive change in our campus environment where survivors are heard, and perpetrators are held accountable.”
For students to feel safer on campus, they have the opportunity to reach out to resources easily available to them. David Murray, the associate vice president for marketing and communications, was able to share some resources students could reach out to if they feel they’re a potential victim of a stalking incident.
“Every student should feel safe and secure on the Ferris State campus, and campus leaders are supportive of efforts to ensure this,” Murray said. “There is a growing awareness among students of stalking and the problem it causes. Students who believe they are victims of stalking can reach out to Resident Life staff or the office of the Dean of Student Life.”
In addition to Resident Life and the Dean of Student Life, Murray also mentioned the office of the Title IX Coordinator is another resource for students to reach out to. They can be reached at titleix@nullferris.edu, or by calling 231-591-5916.