Personal safety tips; counseling and support services
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department is adding extra patrols and asking for vigilance in the wake of the death of a young woman in the 500 block of West Doty Street in downtown Madison.
The Madison Police Department is investigating the death and has identified the victim as UW-Madison student Brittany Sue Zimmermann.
Dean of Students Lori Berquam is urging all students to pay close attention to personal safety.
If you are a student interested in crisis support as a result of this, or any other situation, call University Health Services Counseling and Consultation Services' 24-hour crisis line, (608) 265-5600, or the Offices of the Dean of Students, (608) 263-5700.
If you are a faculty or staff member in need of counseling, the Employee Assistance Office can be reached at (608) 263-2987.
If you have any information about this case, please call Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014.
Students are encouraged to follow these safety guidelines:
- Carry a cell phone and dial 911 for help.
- Walk with a friend whenever possible.
- Lock your doors at all times, even if you are awake.
- Never let anyone you don’t know into your building.
- Report any crime or suspicion of a crime immediately, starting with your location. If police are contacted within the first five minutes, they have a better chance of finding a suspect.
- Take advantage of UW-Madison SAFEwalk and SAFEride programs available on campus. Call (608) 262-5000 for detailed information.
- Keep your head up. Do not look down or away. Make brief eye contact with all people you meet.
- Use public walkways and avoid isolated shortcuts where you have limited escape routes.
- Be aware of places along your path of travel that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, building recesses, etc.). Avoid or keep a distance from these areas whenever possible.
- Make sure someone knows when you leave and when to expect you back.
- If you think someone is following you, cross the street. Head for a well-populated and well-lit area at night.