Safety Tips & Local Resources

Local Resources

Support for Victims of Sexual Violence

  • Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Delaware County Victim Assistance Center Hotline, 610-566-4342
  • Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County Hotline, 610-565-4590

District Attorney’s Office

  • Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 610-891-4161, delcoda.com
  • Victim/Witness Assistance Unit, 610-566-4342
  • Delaware County Special Victims Unit, 610-891-4811 

Regional Medical Centers 

  • Mazzoni Center for LGBTQ+ Health & Well-Being
    • 1348 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia, Pa. and  1201 Locust Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
    • 215-563-0658
  • Riddle Hospital
    • 1068 West Baltimore Pike, Media, Pa. 19063
    • 484-227-9400

Safety Tips

Credit and ATM Cards

  • Always protect your ATM and credit cards and keep them in a safe place. Make a list of all your cards, their account numbers, and phone numbers to report if lost or stolen.
  • Immediately notify your bank if your card is lost or stolen.
  • Do not choose a PIN that uses digits from your birth date, Social Security number, telephone number, or street address.
  • Never write your PIN number on the back of your card or on a piece of paper in your wallet or purse.
  • Remember, the bank will never call you and ask for your PIN number.
  • Destroy any credit card that is out of date.

Identity Theft 

There is no guaranteed way to prevent identity theft. However, you can minimize your risks and guard your personal information by following these tips:

  • Before you reveal any personally identifying information, find out how it will be used and whether it will be shared by others. Always ask if you have a choice to keep it confidential.
  • Be cautious of where you leave personal information in your dorm room or around the office.
  • Don't carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it in a secure place.
  • Keep items with personal information in a safe place. Tear up or shred information you are throwing away, such as expired credit cards.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of identity theft, report the matter to Public Safety or local law enforcement and notify your credit card companies and banking institutions. You may request a copy of an incident or police report if they require that information. The three main credit bureaus are required to provide a credit report to you once a year; you can spread out your requests over the year so you can determine whether there has been any unusual activity. 

  • Equifax, 888-378-4329
  • Experian, 888-397-3742
  • TransUnion, 800-916-8800

Harassing or Threatening Phone Calls or Email Messages

  • Do not include your name or phone number in the greeting on your voice mail.
  • Report harassing or threatening email messages received on campus to Public Safety, and save these messages so they can be reviewed.

Residence Hall and Office Safety

  • Always lock your doors or windows to your dorm room when not there. Keep your valuables and personal property secured, and never leave money on your desk unsecured.
  • Never prop open doors to residence halls.
  • Never lend your residence hall keys out.

Parking Lot Safety

  • Try to park in well-lit areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Watch for suspicious persons or activities as you are walking to your vehicle.
  • Have your keys in hand so that you don't have to search for them when you reach your vehicle.
  • Inspect the inside of your vehicle before entering it to make sure no one is inside.