Crime Prevention & Safety

Emmanuel College Campus Safety is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Personal and community safety is fundamental in order for the college to accomplish its mission, and safety is a collective task and responsibility. In recognition of this, Campus Safety asks the entire community to assist in ensuring that Emmanuel College is a safe and secure environment for all. Only by working together in collaborative partnerships can Emmanuel College be successful in minimizing incidents of crime on our campus.

An Individual’s Role in Crime Prevention

Individual community members, particularly students, have a critical role in crime prevention on campus. If you see something that doesn’t look right or safe immediately alert Campus Safety. If Campus Safety is not made aware of an incident, it cannot provide assistance to those in need or work to prevent it from occurring again. We prefer that community members have a low threshold for reporting something than not to report an incident at all. Remember that most incidents are favorably resolved through early intervention. Observation and communication are critical elements of crime prevention.   

Please note the following community crime prevention and safety guidelines:

  • Have a very low threshold for reporting something or someone behaving suspicious or unsafe. 
  • Voice your concerns about crime and safety at Emmanuel College
  • Do not wait until crimes occur or problems get out of control; immediately raise concerns with Campus Safety.  Remember that early intervention is critical in effective problem solving. 
  • Report and provide information about crimes, suspicious activities, and anything perceived as unsafe or harmful to the Emmanuel Community.
  • A rapid and effective response by Campus Safety Officers is greatly assisted by accurate and timely reports of emergencies and/or suspicious activities.
  • Remember to immediately report any emergency to Campus Safety at 617-735-9888 or to 911.

Reporting a Crime/Suspicious Behavior

To report a crime or emergency on the Emmanuel College campus, call the Campus Safety Department at 5-9888 or from off-campus at 617-735-9888. To report a non-emergency security or campus safety related matter, call 5-9710 or from off-campus at 617-735-9710. Campus Safety Officers are available at these respective telephone numbers 24 hours a day to handle all calls.

What is suspicious?

"Am I witnessing a crime?" Most people have found themselves asking this question at one time or another. However, due to uncertainty, it is common to ignore what has been seen and to continue about one's business. Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, it probably isn't.

Signs of behavior that might be suspicious:

  • A person trying to enter a residence without the proper access card.
  • A person running and looking about furtively, as if he or she were being watched or chased.
  • A stranger carrying property at an unusual hour or location, especially if the items are a computer or other equipment, office machinery, or a locked bicycle.
  • A person going door-to-door in an office building or residential area.
  • Any person forcibly entering a locked vehicle or building.
  • One or more persons sitting in a parked car closely scanning the area.
  • A person (especially a juvenile or female) being forced into a vehicle.
  • A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms.
  • Unusual noises, including gunshots, screaming, sounds of fighting, barking dogs, or anything suggesting foul play, danger, or illegal activity.

 It is important to remember that people aren't suspicious; behavior is. When in doubt, call! If you witness any suspicious activity, call the Emmanuel College Office of Campus Safety immediately at 617-735-9710.

If you have been the victim of rape or sexual assault, you may want to contact the Counseling Center for confidential support, counseling and referral services. Victims of rape and sexual assault often feel confused and alone, and they often question how to tell family and friends about the incident, or whether they should at all. They also experience a variety of strong emotions and/or experience physical problems, such as stomach problems or sleep disturbances. Sometimes, these symptoms don't happen until long after the event. Regardless of when the incident occurred, the Counseling Center can help. The Counseling Center is located in Marian Hall Room 210 (617) 735-9920.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 14A, states:
"Whoever telephones another person, or causes any person to be telephoned to, repeatedly, for the sole purpose of harassing, annoying, or molesting such person or his family, whether or not conversation ensues, or whoever telephones a person of the female sex, or repeatedly telephones a person of the male sex, and uses indecent or obscene language to such person shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than three months, or both."

Federal Law also prohibits the making of obscene or harassing calls in interstate or foreign communications.
If you believe that you are a victim of harassing or annoying phone calls, contact Campus Safety immediately to file a report. After taking information for the report, the Campus Officer will ask you to keep a "Harassing Phone Call Log" for any future harassing/annoying calls that you receive. This log will include:

  • Date and Time
  • Type of call- Hang up, Threatening, Obscene, Nuisance
  • Type of voice- Male, Female, Young, Old, High, Low, Accent, Intoxicated, Nervous, Other
  • Any background noise heard
  • To whom you are speaking/calling
  • What number the individual is trying to reach

Never give out your name or number to strangers! (Don't give the caller the satisfaction of carrying on a conversation; most of these callers just want an audience.)

What should you do?

  • Hang up immediately if the caller doesn't respond to your questions.
  • Hang up at the first utterance of an obscene word.
  • Hang up if the caller does not make identification to your satisfaction. Don't slam the receiver down and admit that you are annoyed; just hang up.

If at any time you are threatened over the phone, or receive a harassing phone call notify the Campus Safety at 617-735-9710.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name and personal information, such as your Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card number, telephone number, or other account numbers, without your permission. Identity thieves use this information to open credit accounts, bank accounts, telephone service accounts, and to make major purchases - all in your name. Information can be used to take over existing accounts or to open new accounts. Identity theft can result in damage to your credit rating and denial of credit. If you feel that your personal information has been compromised, please contact Campus Safety at 617-735-9710.

What is relationship violence?
Relationship violence is defined as intentionally violent or controlling behavior by a person who is currently or was previously in a relationship with the victim. Relationship violence includes actual or threatened physical injury, sexual assault, psychological abuse, economic control, and/or progressive social isolation. Relationship violence occurs in heterosexual and same sex relationships.

This information is focused on romantic relationships. The same resources can be used for interpersonal violence between roommates.

How do I know if it's relationship violence?
Does your partner exhibit a pattern of controlling behavior:

  • Acting jealous all of the time
  • Criticizing your behavior and with whom you spend time
  • Using looks, actions, or gestures that make you afraid
  • Expecting you to ask permission
  • Threatening to "out" you
  • Yelling at you, humiliating you or putting you down
  • Checking up on you, playing mind games, or making you feel as if you are crazy
  • Insisting on making all the decisions

 Has your partner ever:

  • Insisted on having sex or pressured you to do something sexual when you didn't want to
  • Pushed, slapped, bit, kicked, or choked you
  • Threatened to kill you or anyone dear to you
  • Threatened to commit suicide

 Do you feel:

  • Like you are walking on eggshells
  • That you have to call your friends in secret
  • That you must dress a certain way to keep your partner from getting upset

Examples of relationship violence:

  • My partner yelled at me for being late for lunch. It was so humiliating. My partner grabbed my arm and we left the dining hall. I was really upset. Later we made up and my partner was so sorry for embarrassing me. Things are OK now though I wonder when it will happen again.
  • My partner hates it when I spend time with my friends. I feel like I have to sneak around. The other day, my partner got angry about seeing me with a good friend and wouldn't speak to me for several days. When I apologized for seeing my friends without permission, we made up. We have a really good time together as long as I don't hang out with my friends.

Remember, if you are a victim of relationship violence, it is not your fault
Do any of these examples describe your relationship? Or that of a friend? Do you feel like your relationship might be unhealthy or unsafe? Uncertainty about the health of your relationship can be confusing and feel overwhelming. You might want to talk to someone about your concerns.

 What can you do?

  • Talk to family and friends who can offer support.
  • Talk to professionals who can help you decide what options will work best for your situation.

What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any unwanted, coerced, or forced sexual contact or intercourse OR sexual contact or intercourse with someone who is not able to give consent (e.g. under the influence of alcohol or drugs or asleep). Sexual assault can involve the sexual penetration of a body orifice, but also includes other unwanted sexual contact. Victims can be women or men. Most victim/survivors know the perpetrators who may be the victim's/survivor's best friend, lover, partner, date, family member, neighbor, teacher, employer, doctor or classmate. The perpetrator can be a boyfriend or girlfriend. Sexual assault can occur between members of the opposite sex or same sex. Alcohol, date rape drugs, or other substances may be involved.

What if this happens to you?
If you are sexually assaulted you may want to consider:
 

  • Finding a safe place
  • Calling a friend
  • Calling for assistance
  • Contacting Campus Safety or the Boston Police Department
  • Seeking medical treatment
  • Contacting Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (anytime)
  • Preserving evidence

Who are victims of stalking?
Anyone can be stalked, including College students from any economic, ethnic, or religious group. A few victims are picked at random by their stalker, but most stalking victims know their stalker, usually having had some type of present or past relationship.

The perpetrator can be an intimate partner or former partner, classmate, roommate, or other acquaintance. A victim can be stalked for several days or for many years. The stalker's actions can also affect family, friends, and coworkers. Stalking and criminal harassment can be difficult to distinguish.
 

How do you know if it's stalking?
 

  • "Every time I went to my Political Science class, this guy would sit next to me. He kept trying to talk to me even though I told him I wasn't interested. Then he started showing up everywhere-outside my residence hall, in the Campus Center, even in the library, and threatening me if I don't go out with him. Am I being paranoid?"
  • "I dated this woman a couple of times but then wasn't interested in seeing her again. She said someone would get hurt if I broke up with her. "If I can't have you, no one else can," she told me. We weren't in contact for a while, but now she keeps sending me e-mails. Sometimes I don't answer her. I changed my address but she found out what the new one was. I wish she would stop."
  • "Two weeks ago someone left me an anonymous "secret admirer" note in the library in one of my books while I was studying. Last week I was studying in the campus center and got up to stretch. When I came back, I found a cup of coffee with a note, "I am always watching you." This morning there were flowers outside my room. My friends don't know who is doing this and it feels creepy!"

The absence of a threat means that this last example does not meet the legal definition of stalking. However it might have the same impact. If you or someone you know is experiencing a similar situation, please get help by contacting Campus Safety.

If you feel frightened or uncomfortable about someone's specific behavior, pay attention to your instincts! Seek help.


What can a stalking victim do?

  • Report the stalking to the Emmanuel College Campus Safety
  • Inform others close to you (family, friends, residential life staff, co-workers) about the stalking.
  • Do your best to safely avoid all contact with the stalker.
  • Keep a journal or log of all incidents connected to the stalking.
  • Keep any letters, packages, taped telephone messages, or e-mails received from the stalker.
  • Provide Campus Safety with photographs, a description, and other information on the subject.
  • Inform the Office of the Dean of Students and learn about other options including a Stay Away Order/Campus Contract, safe housing and privacy requests at the College.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to maintain power and control over an intimate partner or family member. Domestic violence is a serious national problem that knows no racial, religious, cultural or economic boundaries. Victims can be of any age, race, sexual orientation, gender or marital status and represent a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and education levels. Intimate partner violence is primarily a crime against women. Although domestic violence affects women, men, children and elders, women are most often the victims and each year 1.5 million women are assaulted by a partner or loved one.

Harassment is typically willful and malicious conduct done on purpose and was done for cruelty, hostility or revenge that:

  • Were aimed at you.
  • Were intended to cause you fear, intimidation, abuse, or damage to property. “Abuse” means causing or attempting to cause physical harm, or causing fear of imminent serious physical harm.
  • Did in fact cause you fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property

Harassment prevention orders aren’t limited to specific types of relationships.

There are several types of restraining orders that can be obtained through Campus Safety.

  • A restraining order (209A) is a court order issued by a judge that requires your past or present boyfriend, girlfriend, roommate, or blood relative to stop abusing you or face criminal penalties. There are a number of requirements that need to be met in order for a victim to apply for a criminal restraining order.
  • Harassment Protection Order The harassment prevention law can be used to protect you against anyone. The law allows you to seek a court order, which is sometimes called a 258E order, harassment prevention order, restraining order, or protective order. In court, the plaintiff is the person who asks the court to issue the order. The defendant is the person the order is issued against.

Please call Emmanuel College Campus Safety at 617-735-9710 for more information about these orders or the local police of jurisdiction. 

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Program

The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Program is taught by a certified Emmanuel College Campus Safety Officer and empowers female students, faculty and staff to combat various types of assaults by providing realistic self-defense tactics and techniques.

This empowerment is taught through four basic principles: education, dependency on self, making one's own decisions and the realization of one's own power. The objective of RAD is to develop and enhance self-defense options for women. The course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training. The classes provide women with the knowledge to make educated decisions about resistance.

For more information about RAD on campus or to determine when the next course will run, please contact the RAD coordinator in the Campus Safety Office at 617-735-9710.