UT parents, students work with police to ensure student safety following assaults

Following two violent incidents that happened near and north of UT, students and parents are stepping up to ensure campus safety.

On November 27, police responded to a report of aggravated assault on Guadalupe and 24th street. A homeless woman was stabbed by a man who fled the scene. Two days later, a woman was sexually assaulted and kidnapped north of campus on Duncan Lane.

Joell McNew, Vice President of SafeHorns a group aimed at ensuring a safer UT for students said she’d like the city to continue having Austin Police Officers nearby patrolling to help students.

"I think right now the big concern is students are really focused on finals and now we’ve seen an increase in crime in the area and we pushing education and to be alert but we need to make sure the university and the city is encouraging those efforts as well,” McNew said. “APD right now is are biggest aspect in terms of safety on campus and off campus and really working with APD So really community engagement is critical.”

Student Government Vice President Micky Wolf said he’s always felt relatively safe on UT’s campus. “I think it’s generally a safe campus it’s just a matter of taking those next steps to ensure personal safety,” Wolf said. “I think just being aware of your resources and being cognizant of your surroundings are both very important.”

The organization has been working with the UT Police Department to promote student safety on social media.

Wolfe said the Sure Walk program, a late night transportation program that escorts student’s home in groups has received more than 12,000 calls last spring and is looking to purchase two more golf carts to keep up with the demand.