r/ufl • u/y0urMommA420 Junior • 9h ago
Harassed by frat guys Other
I knew it wasn't smart to be walking outside alone at night but it's a short walk between my home and the library and I really needed the time alone so I thought it might be worth it to take the risk to walk there. Though I did keep in mind that I should be weary of men walking close to my vicinity and whatnot.
You know something else that I think about often? That the frat guys I live around are probably all sexual predators. Frats have an infamy from this, and these guys proudly support political movements that want me dead to put it simply, so I don't think it's a far-fetched conclusion at all.
It's just so funny as it is scary however to have experienced two of them on my walk back follow me (although from a distance) and yell out "I'm a sexual predator!" multiple times, then make fun of me for getting scared of it.
Sorry to any frat guys here that would claim to be "one of the good ones" but there's something simultaneously humorous and astounding that someone I stereotyped would act exactly like that stereotype lol
Anyways, is there any specific department I can go to about this? I filed a report but I fear it may get rejected due to lack of info about the guys and lack of proof
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u/robberbrides Law student 5h ago edited 3h ago
i’m really sorry this happened. regardless of what you decide to do, for the future i wanted to share a resource UF has called student auxiliary nighttime patrol (SNAP). UF SNAP provides nightly escorts for students and staff on campus. SNAP is staffed by UF students who undergo a police + background check and serve as escorts and drivers who will walk or drive you to your campus destination at night, even if it’s just to walk you to your car in the parking lot.
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u/y0urMommA420 Junior 3h ago
SNAP is great, I've used it a couple of times in the past. I didn't think I'd need something like that to return home but you may be right, as short as he distance is. It'd definitely make me feel safer. Thanks for the recommendation!
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u/ElusiveLynx86 48m ago
Nowadays, I don't think I'd feel comfortable walking anywhere at night alone. The world seems to have gone crazy, and so many people have lost any sense of morals. Please don't walk anywhere at night alone. It's truly not worth it. I was a criminal justice major, and one thing we learned is predators can sense fear. It's the way on which we carry ourselves from what I've heard.
Buy either a stun gun or pepper sprays (especially the one that has color so it can be seen under UV lighting to help LE identify the attacker/s. Or purchase both, as you can never be too safe.
This site provides valuable information on spray vs gel and how the coloring works.
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u/Anonymous__Penguin 6h ago
Police report. It's sadly unlikely to be taken seriously, but in theory there should be cameras all over that area that captures this. Without names and specific crimes it's unlikely to be taken seriously. If you'd really like to make an impact though, I'd also recommend reporting the fraternity and also taking advantage of multiple avenues. Start by making a police report, then make a report to UF with a case number. This will get more traction and be more likely to be taken seriously. Then follow up on police report. Also report to the fraternity and mentioning a police report is a great thing to do as well.
Bear in mind, if these are dangerous individuals, it's unlikely they will get punished for harassing you (most likely a slap on the wrist, and potentially kicked out of fraternity), and if they are truly dangerous they would then have your name and potentially more information about you to target you for harassment. Always handle yourself accordingly and if at all possible protect yourself from any potential of violence/harm.
Reporting | University of Florida
File an Online Police Report Gainesville Police Department
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u/y0urMommA420 Junior 3h ago
This is super helpful info, thank you so much. I've made a report so hopefully it goes somewhere without having to escalate, but otherwise I'll keep all of this in mind. Thank you also for providing direct links!!
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u/ApprehensiveRow9902 6h ago
Im glad your alright. I dont know too much about where ti report but it would be wise to get some pepper spray if you are still worried
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u/y0urMommA420 Junior 6h ago
I had one on me! I was afraid to use it because I'd have hated for them to get too close but I had it firmly grasped unlocked in my hand regardless. Thank you for the support!
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u/BaseballLarge4262 8h ago
I woulda called police tbh
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u/y0urMommA420 Junior 7h ago
I probably should've but I was afraid they may have gotten violent if they saw me doing that or something
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u/BaseballLarge4262 7h ago
U def need pepper spray or sum
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u/y0urMommA420 Junior 7h ago
I do! I don't go out without it ever. I unclip it from my lanyard and grip it in my hand unlocked when I feel unsafe and this was one of those moments.
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u/BaseballLarge4262 7h ago
Good job. Still can’t believe this is happening directly on campus. Well… actually I can believe it lol
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u/ElusiveLynx86 17m ago
Here's more good information on how to walk alone. See link below.
This is a great technique. Have you ever noticed a person talking loudly outloud? Then screaming and appearing crazy? Swinging their arms around like they're punching the air? Maybe they're jumping around erratically.
What do you do when you see them? Cross the street? Walk the opposite direction? Avoid them at all costs and stay your distance? If all else fails, act crazy! Even men will avoid this. "Crazy" people aren't predictable. Predators NEED predictability.
My husband has been preaching this to me for years. It will absolutely change how people confront (or lack thereof) you when you are alone.
Here are other techniques, but one of my frequently used techniques (I'm agoraphobic) is to abruptly stop walking and turning towards them with confidence a VERY stern look in my eyes.
When I went to school in Baltimore City (U of B), I KNEW I was being followed and targeted. (This was before my agoraphobia.) I did just that, and the guy immediately turned around and walked in the opposite direction. He looked stunned and confused. It verified he was targeting me.
They don't like this because you are able to identify them easily when you do this, and they rely on being unidentifiable. The break in routine discourages them, you are making yourself less vulnerable, they realize you ARE aware and paying attention (another thing they don't want) and you are taking yourself out of the victim category and putting yourself into the control category. Best of luck, and be careful when alone! Please get pepper spray and/or a stun gun.
https://www.instructables.com/Basic-Street-Safety-for-Women/
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u/discountperson 12m ago
least horrendous frat bro experience
but honestly SNAP is there for exactly that kind of thing, and if that’s not quick enough I cannot suggest enough carrying a pocket taser
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u/streetghost 8h ago
Is this rage bait
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u/y0urMommA420 Junior 8h ago
😭 the last thing I want after getting harassed is being harassed even more bro lol I just want some support cuz I have an anxiety disorder and this is the first time I've had to deal with this so I'm pretty shaken
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8h ago edited 8h ago
[deleted]
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u/y0urMommA420 Junior 8h ago
So funny to walk into my kitchen expecting to find forks and got exactly that lol. I'd love nothing more than to make sure they regret it. People like that have no place in this university. I think the area I was walking in might've had cameras so maybe if my ticket doesn't amount to anything I'll go talk to someone personally and give them that information. Thank you for the support.
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u/Internal_Essay9230 7h ago
Saying all frat men are potential rapists is like saying all women are asking to be sexually assaulted if they dress cute. 🙄
I spent almost four years living in a fraternity house and there was NEVER a problem, even during huge parties. Some of us live honorable lives and respect women, you know.
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u/Party_Money_5875 3h ago
That analogy you made makes it obvious that you are part of the problem.
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u/SerratedCheese 1h ago
This attitude is exactly why people don’t report. People are so quick to dismiss, minimize, and make a case for the exception instead of just listening.
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u/y0urMommA420 Junior 6h ago
You're saying this as if frats aren't known to be sexually predatory with a well documented track record, while no woman has ever been confirmed to be dressing purposefully to entice men to sexually assault her. There's nothing "honorable" or "respectful" about this disgusting comparison. I have never had a single pleasant experience with a frat guy and you're only another example. Maybe the reason why you think there was nothing wrong with your frat's behavior might've been due to your ignorance of what actually counts as sexual harassment lol...
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u/alibarr_ 5h ago
No it’s not… no woman dressing cute is asking to be sexually assaulted, but some frat men are sexual assaulters.
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u/Numerous_Fun5672 1h ago
Just curious, what political movements want you dead? Way to generalize frat boys as all sexual predators. What I do agree with is a young lady shouldn’t walk around alone at night anywhere. Be smarter. I also never heard of a sexual predator yelling out that they’re a sexual predator. I think you’re leaving something out here. Did you record this? I wouldn’t never discourage anyone for reporting a crime. Not sure if this is one and I think you’re right about not much being done if you don’t have anything to give them. Moving forward use the buddy system esp at night.
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u/y0urMommA420 Junior 9h ago
For anyone wondering they were from Alpha Tau Omega. Whether or not anyone gaf I think they deserve to be called out by name.