By ALLISON McVICKER
BGSU Student Journalist
Newly released data from BGSU’s campus security report shows that there have been zero reported domestic violence cases on BGSU’s campus since 2022. Compared to other universities in Ohio, BGSU is one of the safest in terms of domestic violence.
In 2024 alone, The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Akron and Ohio University accumulated a combined total of 31 reported domestic violence cases on their campuses, according to the universities’ safety reports.
BGSU officials said they’ve seen a change not just in the data on domestic violence, but in the community’s understanding of this crime, too.
“Since starting at BGSU in 2022, I’ve seen an increase in awareness,” said Kori Koschalk-Newmister, the university’s assistant director for interpersonal relations. “More students are familiar with the programming and are actively engaging. Our ‘What Were You Wearing?’ event has almost tripled its attendance within the last few years, and it’s been encouraging to see classes, student organizations and others actively engaged in the display.”
Officials said the increase in engagement partially stems from how officials are advocating for their students’ safety.
“The BGSU Police Department empowers all members of the learning community to help prevent crime,” said Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety Michael Campbell. “Some examples include being aware of your surroundings, reporting criminal or suspicious activity and getting involved in university-sponsored crime prevention programs.”
Along with Campbell, other law enforcement officials have collaborated with organizations like The Cocoon, a comprehensive agency that provides free services, including emergency shelter, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Wood County.
This partnership has made a positive impact on the community, according to The Cocoon’s Domestic Violence Program Manager Jessi Cole.
“One thing about Wood County that I have found absolutely amazing is that law enforcement and other agencies have really come together to form strong partnerships, committed to supporting and standing with us in our efforts to maintain safety and security for survivors,” Cole said.
“Wood County has come together as a whole team: From prosecutors, to probation, to mental health, to emergency room and other medical staff and law enforcement. I cannot express enough how much law enforcement has really come around and believed that we are all in this together.”
BGSU students have access to several resources if they or someone they know wants to learn more about what to do when a domestic abuse situation arises.
“The Office of the Dean of Students offers educational programming, 1-on-1 meetings to establish a survivor’s needs, food assistance, amnesty program for reporting and drop-in hours with no appointment needed,” Koschalk-Newmister said.
These drop-in hours take place Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additionally, the office has a partnership with the Cocoon to have an advocate on campus 20 hours per week, according to Koschalk-Newmister.
The BGSU Police Department also offers a free campus walking security escort from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for those who do not feel comfortable walking across campus alone. To arrange for a safety escort, call 419-372-8360.
“Whether someone recognizes it or not, everyone is personally affected by domestic violence,” Koschalk-Newmister said. “Anytime a member of our community is impacted, we are all impacted. If you see something, say something and practice bystander intervention to help shift the culture and let others know violence of any kind isn’t tolerated.”
