Campus Safety Hosts First 'Hands Off' Event
by Caroline Apt, NYU Campus Safety Student Assistant and Hands Off Event Organizer
On November 16th, student workers at Campus Safety, in collaboration with ARISE, a non-profit created by an NYU community member, presented “Hands Off: Empowerment Through Self-Defense,” an event addressing concerns about sexual harassment by providing community members with self-awareness tips, self-defense techniques, victim resources, ways to get involved, and a space to have an honest discussion where attendees could ask questions and share experiences. Being the first of its kind, the event featured speakers from both Campus Safety and ARISE, bringing university staff and students together.
Agent Andrew Dendariana, a member of Campus Safety’s Protective Services Unit and an expert in martial arts, spoke about general self-awareness tips and specifically about having an alert mindset to more easily determine when it might be best to walk away from a situation. Andrew also led a physical demonstration with one of his students and provided attendees with a useful technique that can be performed on those instigating physical contact, regardless of the defenders’ strength or weight.
Jennie Torres, an Investigator with the Incident Review and Victim Services Unit, provided attendees with the many resources that Campus Safety has to offer those who have experienced unwanted sexual advances. Jennie led an honest but powerful discussion about victim blaming and shaming. She specifically advised attendees to never tell a victim to “calm down,” as it belittles the validity of their emotions and feelings.
The next section of the event was led by Sean Cleary, founder and owner of the non-profit, ARISE. He provided many ways for students to get involved in the discussion surrounding sexual harassment and assault through his organization, which does work both on and off campus. Sean also provided relevant research that he is currently working on, regarding the psychological mindset of assaulters and how they choose a target.
The event concluded with an authentic conversation about the student experience on campus. Some attendees shared their stories, asking questions about how they could handle similar situations in the future. Others expressed how much an event like this is needed on campus and should be implemented on a wider, more complex level. Overall, the “Hands Off: Empowerment Through Self-Defense” was an undoubted success, with over 30 attendees who actively participated and expressed their gratitude for those who took the time to make the event happen.
