Crime and violence on college and university campuses have found their way into the media spotlight. As a result, criminal and violent acts have become issues that warrant research. We discuss literature focused on the potential contributing factors that may lead to violent behavior. Additionally, we review legislation intended to protect students and employees by keeping them updated on criminal activity. We also address institutions' responsibility to promote and ensure a safe learning environment. Last, we examine students' responsibility to self-protect. According to the US Department of Justice (as cited in Flannery & Quinn-Leering, 2000), victimization by a violent crime is increasingly common and the chance of being victimized today by a violent crime is greater than the chance of being injured in a traffic accident. Therefore, one need not speculate on why institutions of higher education are experiencing widespread unlawful activity. Instead, colleges and universities should concentrate on preventing these acts of violence. To understand college students' perceptions regarding campus safety, we surveyed 20 local college students, of whom 55% were female. Respondents ranged in age from 21 to 25. All classes (freshman through senior) were represented, with 85% of respondents enrolled as full-time students.