Iowa City grapples with violence
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Male-on-male violence is the most recent safety concern in Iowa City, but authorities say they are working to combat the issue, among others, to keep people safe.
Men fighting men
Fighting, particularly around the bars’ closing time, is a common occurrence in any college town, but recently, Iowa City has seen a trend of seemingly unprovoked and unrelated attacks on men. Many victims report being beaten by groups of men, leaving some hospitalized with serious injuries.
“[Fights] are accepted as part of going out and drinking, like it’s OK,” Iowa City police Sgt. Troy Kelsay said. “And it shouldn’t be.”
Police have had difficulty apprehending the assailants, largely because of under-staffing in the department and Iowa City’s bystander culture — witnesses aren’t coming forward, Iowa City Police Chief Sam Hargadine said.
The force has recently added officers downtown to address the violence.
Violence against women
While the Iowa City community was outraged in fall 2007 during a series of nearly 40 attacks on women, there has not been a similar incident reported in almost a year.
For a year, police struggled to catch the man or men who reportedly groped young women as they walked alone at night.
Police said they believe they caught the man responsible for at least one of the incidents, and there has not been a similar attack since his arrest.
Safety services provided
• There are 22 Code Blue phones located in various areas of campus. Highly visible, one push of their buttons will summon UI police and allow a dispatcher to hear what is going on.
• Nite Ride is a transportation service for women. Call 384-1111 for a free ride in the service area. The downtown service waits for passengers at Washington and Clinton streets from Thursday through Saturday between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. The academic service runs from Sunday through Wednesday between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. For more information and to see a service map, visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~pubsfty/nite.htm.
• Saferide is a service that operates Fridays and Saturday nights until 2 a.m.
Safety tips from police
• Walk in groups, look confident, and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid any confrontations
• Don’t leave your drink unattended and be cautious when drinking alcohol
• Trust your gut — if something feels wrong, leave the situation
• Call the police immediately if you witness a fight or need help
Students say:
“If you don’t want to get in trouble downtown, lie low and be aware of what is going on around you.”
— UI student Skylar Limkemann
“Go in groups. Don’t walk alone after dark, whether from class or to downtown.”
— UI student Austin Laugesen
“Look out for people. Know what’s around you, and carry a rape whistle.”
— UI student Allison Stickley
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