PREVENTION STRATEGIES

SELF ASSESSMENT
Know and define your sexual boundaries. Think about what you really want sexually from your partner before you are in an intimate situation and communicate boundaries clearly.

Be aware of the stereotypes that prevent you from acting as you want (e.g., women are submissive and men are the aggressors).

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If you have an uneasy feeling DO NOT disregard it and DO NOT be afraid to yell for help or to use physical means to get away. It is important to react as soon as you have that uneasy feeling.


COMMUNICATION
Communicate what you really want. It is important that your actions match your words. Say "yes" when you mean "yes" and say "no when you mean "no".

Set clear limits for acceptable behavior.  Be ASSERTIVE.


AWARENESS
Know your rights and which behaviors constitute criminal acts.

Know that you have the right to say no at anytime during a sexual encounter.

Be observant of your environment (e.g., being left at a party by your friends, being alone in a locked room with loud music playing).

Pay attention to your instincts and react if you feel uneasy with the situation.


STAY ALERT
Be responsible if you use alcohol or drugs because they effect your awareness and it is much more difficult to be in control of the situation when you are intoxicated.

Know your drinking limits.


BUDDY SYSTEM
Create a buddy system before you go out and keep tabs on each other. Keep aware of each other’s safety throughout the evening (where they are, who they are with, etc.).

Don’t leave a friend stranded without a way home.

Be assertive if you perceive a potentially dangerous situation.


REACT
If you sense a dangerous situation... react immediately by yelling, running, or fighting. Do not worry about whether you are overreacting or will embarrass yourself - it is better to feel embarrassed than to be raped.

If you have reason to believe that a friend or another woman is being raped, call the police immediately.

Enroll in a self-defense class.



PREVENTION STRATEGIES: FOR STRANGER ASSAULT
Stay in well-lighted areas.

Walk confidently, assertively, eyes looking around. A rapist looks for someone who appears vulnerable and passive.

Be alert and prepared to run, fight, or scream.

Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where rapists can hide.

Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.

If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to areas where there are people.

Carry your keys in your hand and be prepared to use them as a weapon.

Do not go along with someone who demands that you go with them, even if they have a weapon. Your chance of escaping unharmed are better where you are than anywhere they plan to take you.