Client: Steve Lane
Copyright 2008 Steve Lane
Rape Prevention: Reducing the Risks
The best measure in rape prevention is to do everything in your power to keep yourself out of vulnerable situations. Whether you are in everyday situations, a public setting, isolated or at home there are precautions you can take to avoid placing yourself in a vulnerable situation and protect you from rape.
Everyday Situations:
The majority of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows in a familiar situation. Believe in your right to say no whomever the person is and do not smile or laugh because you are nervous. Also, never apologize for saying no.
� Trust your instincts. If you are uneasy or nervous, there is probably a good reason. Get out of the situation.
� Say "No" and "leave me alone" and mean it. Don't act cute, or timid or shy. If you act like you can be easily dominated, you will be.
� If you need help from someone else around, ask for it.
� If you are intimately involved with the aggressor, tell them you are not comfortable and you want them to stop. Now!
Never give the aggressor any excuse to think you are not absolutely sure of your protest to his or her actions. Any doubt will be an invitation in the rapist's eyes.
Public Settings:
� Be in control of your drinking and keep an eye on your friends' drinking. Don't leave drinks unattended or accept a drink a stranger hands you.
� If you are in a group, look out for each other. Keep track of your friends and know they are safe. Plan ahead for everyone to get home safely.
� Be aware of any men, including friends who are becoming aggressive toward women and are offering extra drinks or trying to get someone alone.
� On the street, be confident and alert. Be aware of anyone else who is around. Don't be afraid to ask someone for help if you feel threatened by a stranger.
� In your car, be sure to check front and back seats, under and around your vehicle and surrounding vehicles before getting in. If you see someone sitting in a vehicle next to yours, keep walking. Lock your doors immediately once inside and keep doors and windows locked at any stop signs or traffic lights.
Isolated areas:
Avoid isolated areas like walking, running or hiking off the beaten path. Go in groups or be sure if you are alone that you are very aware of everything going on around you. If you notice anyone suspicious, listen to your instincts, get out of there and report them. Take self-defense classes to learn how to protect your self.
At Home:
A rape committed in the home is usually by an attacker that the victim knows. But being attacked by a stranger in your own home is not out of the realm of possibility. Keep exterior doors and windows locked and place metal or wood rods in sliding doors. Don't let strangers into the house before you have verified who they really are. Install deadbolts on all doors, landlords are required to supply them. Get to know your neighbors. Learn who you can trust and who is typically around the area.
Remember that rape is a crime and an assault against another human being. Rape is never the victim's fault and no one is to blame but the rapist. Rape prevention involves your ability to avoid compromising situations and knowing how to protect yourself.