Task force aims to promote women's safety issues

After sunset, shadows take over the campus landscape. With the exception of the scattered streetlights, certain areas on campus are covered in darkness.

This is the time when the possibility of night prowlers enters students' minds.

Whom can they call when they feel unsafe?

Not the Campus Escort program.

The program was established by the Residence Hall Association and provided volunteers to walk students around campus when they felt unsafe.

RHA discontinued Campus Escort program in April 2005 because of the lack of volunteers and student use.

Since its discontinuation, the UNL Police Department has not received any phone calls from students needing escorts, said Sgt. Kristine Puckett.

"It was very important for those using it," Jan Deeds, director of the Women's Center, said.

Deeds said she felt that the program was a great idea just not a very successful one.

She said the program could have given users a false sense of security. About 90 percent of violence and sexual assault is inflicted by people the students know, Deeds said.

The money is better spent educating young women about consent issues and the risks of sexual assault, she said.

Brad Nordell, a freshman physics major, said it would be a good idea to bring the program back.

"Some people might need it," Nordell said.

Nordell said he felt that women might need the program because of the risk of being attacked on campus, especially after hearing about the attacks and harassment last semester near the Wick Alumni Center on 16th and R streets.

Deeds said those who are worried about campus safety for women should join the Violence Against Women Task Force, which involves both the campus and the community in education programs for young women.

Partners include eight community law enforcement officers and victims' services organizations, the Women's Center, Student Involvement, University Police, Student Judicial Affairs, University Health Center, UNL Housing, Greek Affairs and the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska.

If students are interested in joining the task force to promote the safety of women, they can contact Jan Deeds at the Women's Center, located on third floor of the Nebraska Union.