Prevention
While there is no 100% way to prevent a rape, here are a few suggestions to prevent you from becoming a victim of a sexual assault:
Be Alert
- Avoid dangerous situations.
- Be aware of what is around.
- Avoid isolated areas.
- Walk with a purpose.
- Trust your instincts.
- Don't dress in view of a window.
- Being assertive means that you state what you want.
- Remember: "No" means "No." If you do not want to be intimate with another person, tell him or her clearly.
- Use a confident voice and body posture.
- Match your body language to your words - don't laugh and smile while saying "No."
- Do not just "go along" for the wrong reasons.
- Watch out for warning signs or "red flags" from your partner in intimate situations.
- Travel with a buddy.
- Stay in groups, as there is safety in numbers.
- Plan your outings and avoid getting into a bad situation.
- Stay sober. Studies indicate that about half of all U.S. sexual assaults involve the use of alcohol by the offender, the victim, or both.
- Never leave a drink unattended. Educate yourself about date rape drugs.
- Walk only in lighted areas after dark.
- Keep the doors to homes, dormitory, and cars locked.
- Know where the phone is located.
- Don't go anywhere alone with someone unless you know the person very well and trust him or her.
- Take a self-defense course and arm yourself with mace. To learn some self-defense techniques. These videos can show you how to escape certain situations, such as how to escape a bed rape, a choke-hold from behind, or a bear hug.
