Every Two Minutes, Another Woman is Raped.

Rape is never the victim’s fault. No one consents to a rape, and no one willingly cooperates with a rapist.  While there is no one best prevention strategy for all situations, there are preventive measures that can reduce the risk of being sexually assaulted.  Each of the women and each situation is unique.  You can help yourself by thinking through the following options and deciding  which ones might work for you.

At Home

Install dead bolts and window locks.  Don’t leave doors and windows unlocked.  If you sleep with windows open, lock them open with the opening too small for a body to climb through.

Ask for identification before opening your door.  Check the identification of repairmen.  If it’s a stranger asking for help, don’t open the door.  Give directions through the door.  If he needs help, make the call for him.

Don’t give out personal information, including number of people in your household over the telephone.  List only your initials and last name on your mail box and in the phone book.
When a wrong number is dialed to your residence, do not give your name and number. Ask the caller what number he was dialing and advise him that he is incorrect.

When away from home at night or if you expect to return after dark, leave an inside light on in a room and draw the shades.  Remember to leave an outside light on as well.  If you arrive home and find a door or window or signs of forced entry, do not enter.  Go to the nearest phone and call the police.

If you let someone into your house and have second thoughts, pretend you are not alone – mention a family member or friend who is sleeping or is about to return.

Outside

Be alert to your surroundings and other people. Stay in populated, well-lit areas.

Don’t walk alone at night.  If you must walk alone, advise a friend of your route and estimate time of arrival/return.  If you feel in danger, walk, jog, or run toward people  of traffic.  Draw attention to yourself by yelling, screaming, ect.  If you are being followed, go to a house with lights on or to the middle of the street. Make a scene.

If a driver stops you near the street of in a parking lot, avoid getting near the car.  Do not get into the car.

Have direct eye contact with men approaching you.  Respond immediately and assertively to questions or statements they make.  These behaviors prevent you from being identified as an easy victim.

On campuses, avoid short-cuts through empty buildings, vacant lots, or areas that are poorly lit or hidden by shrubs and trees.

In Your Car

Have your car keys in hand and ready to use.  Park in well-lighted areas whenever possible.

Check your car, front and back seats before entering.

Lock your doors even in daylight.

Keep gasoline in your car so you won’t become stranded.

If you are being followed in you car, don’t drive home.  Go to the police.

If signaled for assistance by someone on the road, drive to a phone and call the police to summon help for the individual.

If your car breaks down, stay in your car with the doors locked.  Ask people who stop to call the police, sheriff, or state patrol.

Separate your house keys from your car keys when you leave keys with parking attendants or auto repair people.  Don’t put your name or address on your key chain.

If  You Are Attacked

Try to stay calm so you will be able to gather information and make decisions.

Evaluate the situation for possible ways to escape.  If one method doesn’t work, look for another escape opportunity.

Draw attention to yourself if there are other people around – scream, swear, yell “fire” or “help”, break a window, etc.

Resist as long as it is safe to do so.  If resistance is too dangerous, stop resisting.

Claim to be sick, pregnant, have a venereal disease, or to have AIDS.

Act hysterical, insane, or mentally incapacitated.

If you are assaulted, do not shower, change clothes, or douche until you make a decision about reporting to the police or going to the hospital.  You may request a female officer.  While you will be encouraged to talk to the police, you have the right to obtain medical assistance and not talk to the police.

Remember: You are not trying to win, you are trying to survive.

If you are assaulted, remember that there are resources available to victims/survivors of assault.