Risk Reduction
From UVA's "Facing Sexual Assault"
as adapted by GMU Sexual Assault Services
For every "completed" rape, three are successfully avoided (Bart, 1986). The
key to successful avoidance is using a wide range of tactics: 1 ) knowing what
sexual assault is and knowing danger signals, 2) practical lifestyle changes,
and 3) knowledge of self-defense.
SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
Remember that sexual assault is a crime and is often planned. In addition to
the following, consider taking a self-defense class recommended by the
resources in this material. There is no guarantee of safety if you follow
these suggestions, but they reduce the risks.
ON THE STREET
Walk at a steady pace, look confident, know where you are going and pay
attention to what's around you.
Be aware of your surroundings. Listen for footsteps or voices.
If you feel threatened, don't be afraid to make a scene, run, or yell at
someone to stay away from you.
Be aware that if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
you're more vulnerable under these conditions. Ask a friend to be with
you.
Avoid hitchhiking.
Keep your car doors locked and windows up when possible. Check the back
seat before you get in.
If you walk to/from work or jog for exercise, vary your routes. Would-be
attackers often watch for patterns.
AT YOUR HOME/WORK
Install lights in entrances and parking areas.
All windows and doors should have strong locks. If you rent, insist on
adequate security from your landlord.
Be aware of places near your home or work-place where someone could hide.
If you work/study at night, insist that your place of employment or your
university provides a safe environment.
Lock your door every time you leave home, even if you'll only be out a
short time.
When returning home at night, have your keys ready before you get to your
door. If you suspect something is wrong, don't enter -- go to a neighbor
or call the police.
DATE/ACQUAINTANCE RAPE
Clearly communicate what you want and what you do not want, sexually and in
your relationships. Don't rely on non-verbal communication or expect that
the other person will know what you want.
Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs.
Be aware of sex-role stereotypes and how they influence your behavior as
well as the behavior of people around you.
If you have negative feelings about someone, trust and act on your
intuition. Those feelings are right at least 50 percent of the time.
If you're mistrustful of someone, tell others. Ask for their help.
You have the right to say no to sex or sexual touching at any time, in
any place, at any point, and the right to resist unwanted sexual contact.
Keep enough change for a phone call or a cab if you are stranded.
SOCIAL CHANGE
Actively work to change our society, ourselves and each other, so
attitudes and behaviors that support or enable sexual assault are
eradicated.
Speak out against sexual assault, confront stereotypes and rape jokes.
If you are a man, consider working with other men in peer education ]
efforts or responding to male survivors. If you are a woman, work with
survivors, with education and prevention efforts, or with crisis inter-
vention, and learn self-defense.
Call Sexual Assault Services, the Women's Center, or the Fairfax County
Victim Assisstance Network for more information, support and advocacy.