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Reducing the Risk of Sexual Assault There are no
guaranteed methods that will eliminate all the risks of being sexually
assaulted. However, by taking certain precautions, you can reduce
your level of risk. General Risk Reduction Tips The following three basic guidelines can help to provide an overall framework for lowering risk and feeling safe: Accept the fact that you are a potential rape victim Think ahead and consider your alternatives if confronted by a rapist Trust your gut instincts...if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t _________________________________________________________-_______________ Reduce The Risk With Someone You Know It is important to remember that nearly 80% of rapes are committed by someone that the victim knows. This includes relatives, intimate partners, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Express yourself and expect to be respected "No" does not mean "yes" --- Only "Yes" means "Yes" Trust your instincts about possible danger Be willing to inconvenience others to ensure your own well being Know about your date --- name, address, and workplace Meet new people in public places Date a new person as part of a group Have your own money and transportation Remember that it is difficult to KNOW someone on the Internet. Do not give out personal identifying information. If you agree to meet someone, remember the safety instructions given here Rohypnol and GHB are two sedating drugs currently being used to perpetrate sexual assaults. These drugs, like others, are slipped into a drink and cause sudden drowsiness, memory loss, dizziness, and even death. Do not leave drinks unattended or take drinks that you have not witnessed being made Look out for others as well as yourself _________________________________________________________________________ Reduce The Risk On The Street Walk at a steady, confident pace and stay alert Know where you are going Avoid shortcuts, dark alleys, empty buildings, and vacant lots Be prepared to run if necessary. Avoid shoes and clothing styles that make it difficult to run Vary your routine If you are being followed, make your follower aware that you know of his/her presence. Walk or run to a well-lit or well-populated area. Draw attention to yourself. If your follower is in a car, run in the opposite direction that the car is moving Walk in the middle of the sidewalk, not too close to the bushes, alley entrances, doorways, and curb Don’t overload yourself with packages, bulky purse, or books. Keep one hand free. _________________________________________________________________________ Reduce The Risk In Your Car Or While Using Other Transportation Always lock your car when leaving it, even if only for a few minutes Check the back seat and floor of the car before getting in to see if someone is hiding (even if the door was locked) Have keys in hand so you don’t delay entering the car Make sure all doors are locked when you are in your car Raise the hood, lock yourself inside, and wait for the police if you have car trouble. If someone stops, do not lower the car window, but ask the person to go to the nearest phone and call the police Always keep a car’s length between you and the car in front at stop signs so you can’t be hemmed in If you see a motorist needing help, stop at the next phone and call police Avoid isolated bus stops; stand away from the curb until the bus arrives On a bus or train, sit close to the front. If someone bothers you, tell the driver Ask the taxi
driver or a friend to wait and see that you get into your building
safely Reduce The Risk In Your Home Install a peephole, deadbolt lock, and chain lock with long screws for the outside doors. Keep your doors and windows locked, even if you go out for only a few minutes Windows need to have secure locks and frames. Have curtains or shades on all windows and close them all the way at night Entrances, walkways, and garages should be well lit, as well as parking lots, stairwells, and hallways Trim the bushes and shrubbery around your home to prevent someone from hiding in them Give an extra key to a neighbor rather than hiding it near your house. If your keys are stolen, replace the lock on the same day If you live alone, consider using an initial or an extra name on your mailbox or phone listing If you expect to come home after dark, leave a light on so you won’t have to walk into a dark room Have your keys ready when you return home so you can open your door quickly. If you notice something wrong, don’t go inside. Go directly to a neighbor and call the police Get to know your neighbors and develop a plan to alert them if you are in trouble Never admit strangers to your home, even if they are in uniform. Ask for a badge or other identification and read it through the window, if necessary. Teach children not to open doors without checking with you first If someone wants to make an emergency call, ask for the phone number and offer to make the call; don’t let the person inside Be alert to
suspicious calls. Don’t answer personal questions or give out
information about your family or a neighbor. Report obscene phone
calls to police or your phone company. Attempting to Resist an Attack Every situation is different. You do not have to physically resist the assault in order for it to be rape. However, if you choose to attempt to resist the assault you have options: Distract: Rapists often follow the same pattern and disruption may give you time to escape. Dissuade: Some survivors have been able to talk the potential rapist out of actually assaulting. Resist: Only you can make the decision to resist. If the rapist is armed, resistance will be almost impossible. Fighting may help you escape, but it may escalate the situation. |
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