Mapping the Invisible

Abstract

Using surveys of female Unviersity of Maryland students this project will answer the question of where Women feel safe and unsafe on and around the University of Maryland campus. The data gathered will be used to create an abstract map  visually representing the unsafe and safe locations in the area. Research shows that most information related to Women’s safety is either online or in poster format as seen in “Gender: Identity and Social Change” by Adam Matthew. Matthew’s website hosts posters from 1980 until 1999 that were advertised across the United States about Women’s safety and Domestic Violence Awareness. With these posters, they have yet to make changes.  According to RAINN the Rape, Assult, and Incest National Network, 26.4% of Undergraduate female college students experience rape or sexual violence during their time on campus as of  2025. Sexual violence agaisnt Women remains alarmingly prevelant. To combat this, the research gathered will incentivise change by visually mapping the locations where Women feel unsafe in and around their campus, encouraging awareness and action.