REDUCING THE RISK OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

Here are some ways to avoid sexual assault:

• Have and use locks on doors and windows, and change the locks in a new home.

• Do not open your door to strangers. Ask for identification when service people come to the

door, and call the company to verify that they are on legitimate business.

• Always show self-confidence with your body language and speech when you are in public.

• Have first dates with groups of friends or in public places.

• Do not tell new acquaintances that you live alone. Use only initials on your mailbox and in the

phone book.

• Avoid controlling or demanding men who may try to control your behavior by planning all the

activities and making all the decisions.

• Share dating expenses. Men who are willing to share expenses may be less likely to use sexual

coercion to “get what they pay for.”

• Avoid dark and deserted areas and always be aware of your surroundings so that you can try to

get away if someone pursues you.

• Have house or car keys in hand before coming to your door.

• If your car breaks down, attach a white cloth to the antenna, lock yourself in, and wait for a

uniformed officer in an official car. If other people ask to help, tell them to call the police or a

garage, but do not unlock the car door.

• Carry a device for making a loud noise. Sound an alarm at the first sign of danger.

• Don’t lead anyone to believe you are more sexually available than you want to be.

• Avoid using alcohol or other drugs when you definitely do not wish to be sexually intimate

with your date.

• If assaulted, try to get away, but don’t struggle if the struggle seems to arouse your assailant.

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