Walking home at night should not be something feared.
Recent incidents related to sexual assault has students at Fanshawe College like Natalie Amber-Richard on edge.
“Well it is a little scary sometimes mainly because you never know what will happen. I was told to walk with my keys in between my fingers. I don’t know if it is enough but it is for now I guess.”
Richard lives about five minutes from the college but her schedule makes it so normally she walks home around 7pm most nights. With this time of the year she is walking home when it is very dark, this weekend brings day light savings time so it will fall dark even quicker.
Most students walking home will ether be on the phone with someone of like Richard take precautions such as walking with keys between her fingers.
Downtown London at night can be intimidating. Even on nights out with friends Richard is on edge.
“If you’re alone is definitely scary especially with what has been going on lately.”
Richard said, also saying how being with a group of people is the best way to feel safer.
The second year college student also talked about Uber.
The popular app that lets you request a ride. This can be after a night out if you are not able to get behind the wheel.
“It is kind of scary because it is some random person picking you up.”
The app has made some improvements, you go in the app and hit your flashlight through the phone. It will produce a red light so the uber and the person waiting for a ride can find on another. Some people find this new feature helpful. Although waiting for an Uber alone downtown can cause some nerves to surface.
Taking the city bus is also an option but due to recent events the London police have sent out some safety tips to keep in mind. A couple being;
-ride with someone you trust if possible
-be aware of your surroundings at all times
“Even at the school it is scary because you never know who is around.”
Richard said explaining feeling uneasy even on campus.
Most schools have a program set up where students are able to contact campus security for a “safe walk”. Fanshawe College is one of those schools. This lets students who may be feeling unsafe to walk with a security officer wherever they may need to go.
UPDATE – BUS SHELTER SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION
32-year-old London man arrested. Read more here: https://t.co/WXJbuNEMDX #ldnont pic.twitter.com/GGY8Dpr5ax— London Police ON (@lpsmediaoffice) October 31, 2018
