Women's Safety in Savannah, GA

Table of Contents

I AM ALERT

I feel the need to be alert and aware of my surroundings

I FEEL SECURE AND CONFIDENT

When I feel secure and confident in my environment, I am able to fully enjoy my everyday life

I AM PREPARED

I feel prepared when I am equipped with my self defense items

I AM IN-TOUCH

I feel secure when I am able to access my phone and other forms of technology

I AM FAMILIAR

I feel comfortable in areas that I know or frequent most

FEATURES THAT MAKE IT POSSIBLE

14

Six features Groups, populated areas, good light, technology, self defence items, and security Research and design opportunities

LOOKING AHEAD TO WHAT'S NEXT

20

I N T R O

In the city of Savannah, ensuring the safety of women, particularly SCAD students, holds significant importance, setting the stage for comprehensive research in this crucial domain With its vibrant academic institutions and a thriving student community, Savannah serves as an ideal backdrop for investigating the multifaceted aspects of women's safety

Understanding the unique challenges faced by female students in public spaces and on college campuses is essential for developing effective strategies to promote their well-being and create an inclusive environment. By delving into this topic within the context of Savannah, this research aims to shed light on the specific needs, concerns, and experiences of women, ultimately contributing to the development of practical solutions and policies that enhance their safety and empower them to thrive academicallyandpersonally.

THE TEAM

Sydney DeVilla Advertising & Branding

Kai Garner.................... Advertising & Branding

Isabella Cascio Social Strategy & Management

Lillian Brown Service Design

A LETTER FROM THE RESEARCHERS

We hope this letter finds you well. We wanted to share with you our excitement and passion for the research we conducted on women's safety, with a particular focus on female SCAD students, in the city of Savannah.

When considering our research topic, we were drawn to Savannah due to its academic landscape and the diverse community of aspiring scholars it attracts We recognized the importance of understanding the specific challenges faced by women, especially college students, in such an environment Our goal was to contribute to the development of effective strategies and policies that enhance women's safety and empower them to thrive both academically and personally

To achieve this, we utilized a variety of research methods We began by conducting extensive secondary research, immersing ourselves in existing texts, reports, and studies on women's safety, campus security, and related topics. This provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of affairs and allowed us to identify gaps in knowledge and potential areas of focus

Additionally, we conducted interviews with male and female SCAD students These interviews provided valuable insights into the specific experiences, concerns, and perceptions of safety among our target population Listening to their personal stories and perspectives not only deepened our understanding but also helped us contextualize our research within the unique dynamics of the SCAD community

Furthermore, we employed observational techniques, spending time in various locations to observe patterns, behaviors, and environmental factors that might influence women's safety This allowed us to gain a firsthand understanding of physical spaces and the dynamics of interaction within them

We also organized a collaging and sensory cues workshop, where female SCAD students were invited to express their feelings, experiences, and ideas related to safety through creative activities. This workshop provided a safe and inclusive space for participants to share their insights, emotions, and aspirations, contributing to a deeper understanding of their needs and desires

Lastly, we utilized cultural probes, a method involving the use of carefully designed "probes" such as diaries, cameras, and other artifacts, to enable participants to document and reflect upon their daily experiences, thoughts, and perceptions of safety. These cultural probes allowed us to access an array of qualitative data, providing contextual information

Throughout our research journey, we were fortunate to involve some of our friends as participants This added a unique dimension to our work, as the familiarity and trust within these relationships allowed for open and candid discussions Their participation made the research feel more personal and meaningful, strengthening our resolve to contribute positively to the lives of women in the SCAD community

In conclusion, our research journey in Savannah has been enlightening and inspiring By utilizing a combination of secondary research, interviews, observation, collaging/censory cues workshop, and cultural probes, we have gained valuable insights into the world of women's safety, particularly within the context of female SCAD students We are excited to share our findings and recommendations, with the hope that they will inform policy decisions and contribute to the creation of a safer and more empowering environment for women in Savannah and beyond.

ARCH CTIVE

RELLA STION

how women y of Savannah feel y to day personal tors that contribute to afe or unsafe in various ow can these factors be rove women's safety?

ideal experience

FRAMEWORK

From our collective data, we were able to summarize and communicate the ideal experience of female SCAD students in Savannah The emotions (security & confidence) are how they want to feel when living their dayto-day lives in this city The benefits are the things the women are (in-touch, familiar, alert, & prepared) to ensure they feel secure & confident Then there are the features, whose presence ensure the delivery of the benefits.

SIX FEATURES

When there are groups.

Whetherbigorsmall,beingina groupmakesmefeelmore comfortablewhengoingout

When there are populated areas.

IfeelbetterwhenIgooutto popularareas Families,tourists, otherstudents-areasthatare frequentedmeanIfreak-wit-it

When there is good lighting.

Whileanighttimestrollsounds beautifulintheory,Ifeelbest whentheressomebrightlights Forambienceandsafety

When there is technology.

Techisthewayofthefuture,so bestbefriendit Betweensimple textsorlocation-sharingapps, techplaysaroleinmysafety

Whenthereare self-defenseitems

When there is security.

Ifeelsafeinthepresenceand attentivenessofSCADsecurity makesmefeelsafe It's importanttohavesecurity measuresinplacelikeID scannersandgatedfacilities

Havingself-defenseitemsmakesmefeelbetterwhenitcomesto mysafety

ATTRIBUTES

Feeling safe is a top priority for me, and it hinges on having confidence in my surroundings and the people within them. To guarantee my safety, I place great importance on cultivating a sense of trust and assurance with both the individuals and the elements that make up my environment. safe.

I feel like being confident, comfortable, and capable represent feeling

I want to fully relax and have the most fun that I can in my

environment.

I WANT TO FEEL Secure.

Experiencing a sense of security is vital for me to feel safe in my surroundings. When I feel secure, I am able to relax and fully enjoy my everyday life, enabling me to find greater enjoyment and peace in my environments.

I am alert.

I feel the need to remain cautious and aware in my current environment The people around me and my surroundings are important features in the landscape that I take note of

surroundings when I go out.

I feel the need to be alert and aware of my

I am prepared.

I make sure I am equipped with safety or some form of self defence item, when I am out. Getting ready to go out in the public sphere, I am sometimes mindful of my wardrobe choices

accessible.

I feel prepared whenIam equipped with my self-defense items, making sure they are

I

I feel secure, when I am able to access my phone or technology to reach others and vice versa I share my location with my friends, parents, or roommates at all times.

am in-touch.

or fun.

Technology is an important tool for communicating, whether it's for an emergency

I am familiar.

I feel comfortable in areas that I know or frequent often I will surround myself with people that I know well, and I feel insecure when in an environment that is unfamiliar or new to me

Being in an area I don't really know well makes me feel unsafe

when there are

FEATURES groups.

I feel more secure when I am in a group ranging from 2-5 people I know out in public Being around people is an important factor in my comfortability in public spaces.

in a big group.

I'm comfortable

when there are self-defense Items

I rely on a variety of self-defense items that range from pepper spray, alarms, and tasers. I feel secure when I am prepared and equipped with self-defense items that are easily accessible

F E A T U R E S

When there is technology.

My Cellphone

Technology plays an important role in my personal safety. I like to keep my phone on me, and I prepare to go out in the city by making sure it is fully charged. It is a reliable and user friendly way to stay prepared and communicate with others I rely on my phone frequently, and it helps me feel safe.

GPS / Navigation

I rely on my phone frequently to navigate my surroundings by using GPS or navigation technology If I am unsure of my location or directions at night my phone is a reliable resource that I can look back to for help

Tracking Apps / Location Sharing

On my phone, I use Life360 and Find my iPhone to stay connected and alert people of my location at all times. I think it is a benefit knowing where someone is at all times, and it helps me feel more secure in my surroundings

when there is

good lighting

STREET LAMPS

The lack of street lights or proper lighting affects my comfort level. I feel uneasy , unsafe, and on edge when there are no street lights in an area Lighting also has a lot to do with my own familiarity with a place. Street lamps are very important for me to feel safe

GOOD LIGHTING= BRIGHT LIGHTING

Dim lighting is almost as bad as no lighting at all At night I feel like most of the city is poorly lit, and this is a key factor for me when determining if a place is safe I usually find Broughton to be well lit, but that is not the same for other places within the city

DAY TIME VS NIGHT

I notice a big difference going out during the day versus going out at night During the day time I have a sense of security, and I feel more comfortable going out alone At night time I have a lingering feeling of unease and I am less confident directionally

BUSY ROUTES / CROWDED AREAS

I feel safer walking in popular areas in the city with many people around me

TOURISTS / FAMILIES

Places where people feel comfortable enough to bring their kids or explore as a tourist, feel harmless

SCAD STUDENTS & FACILITIES

When I go out, I like to take routes that are frequented by other SCAD kids or have SCAD buildings on them, because being able to go inside is comforting option

populated areas where there are

security when there is

Transportation Arnold Hall

As a SCAD student, I rely on a variety of different transportation to get around the city. I will drive my car if I have one on campus I will also rely on the bus to travel to classes, but I try to avoid it if possible because of frequent inconveniences.

I feel the safest in certain SCAD buildings like Arnold Hall and Alexander. I think Arnold is the most trustworthy class building because they require student ID's to enter, have lots of security guards, and they are organized and active. I trust the area around Arnold Hall more than other SCAD building locations

Safe Ride

I will use SCAD SafeRide if no other options are available to me. I find myself relying on the feature if I don't feel comfortable walking late at night or if I have a late class However, there have been instances where I have encountered unreliability with the system and SafeRide.

DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES

Research opportunities

Studying the queer experience further within the SCAD community in Savannah

Studying the mindset of the harassers to further the understanding of what is driving the issue

Studying the social structures in place that allow harassers to feel comfortable in their choices

Further education

More education is needed in both the student and social sectors covering prevention and behaviors

Education is also needed to raise awareness to the frequency at which this issue is occurring in college communities and targeting the female students

Services and features

A SCAD safety app primarily for female students

Designated safe locations in Savannah

Re-valuating SCAD security regulations and areas, making an actionable plan to enact prevention and education amongst the students

STAY SAFE

Thank you for taking the time to read through these research findings

This project has truly been an eye-opening experience with findings that we hold close to our hearts as current female, SCAD students

Sincerely, the Team