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 Sexual Assault
Don’t mask the facts about
sexual assault and rape
with myths and stereotypes.
Sexual assault and rape are acts of
violence, and can happen to anyone.
Attackers and rapists can be anyone—
strangers, neighbors, boyfriends and
husbands, co-workers, classmates,
family members, and even friends. In
fact, most victims know their
assailants.
Here’s the good news: you can do
a lot to reduce your risk of sexual
assault. Practicing the following tips
is a good way to start:
Use Your Head
- Be alert! Walk with confidence and purpose.
- Walk in well lighted areas and NEVER walk alone.
- Ask a co-worker or a neighbor to escort you.
- Be aware of your surroundings—know who’s around you and what’s going on.
- Don’t let drugs or alcohol cloud your judgment.
- Trust your gut. If your instincts tell you to leave, then leave—immediately. If you feel
uncomfortable or uneasy, remove yourself!
- If you think you’re being followed, change
directions and look for open stores, restaurants,
or a lighted home.
How To Protect Yourself
- Make sure all entrances (windows, sliding glass doors, patio doors) are locked at all times with sturdy locks.
- Never open your door to strangers. Use a wide-angle viewer and make them show
identification.
- Be wary of isolated spots—basements, laundry rooms, and parking lots.
- Know your neighbors so that you can call on them if you need help.
- If you come home and see a door ajar or a
window broken, call the police immediately.
DO NOT enter the building.
- Jog, run, or walk with a friend and keep your distance when anyone in a car asks
you for directions.
- Wear clothes and shoes that you are able to move in.
- Have your key ready before you reach the door—home, office, or the car.
- Always lock your car. Look inside the car before you get in.
- Don’t hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
What To Do if the Unthinkable Happens
It’s unpleasant and even frightening to think about,
but the best way to prevent or survive an assault is
to plan in advance how you would react in the face
of a potential assault. Would you run and scream,
or would you try to fight back? Some would-be
attackers will immediately give up if their target
shows the least signs of resistance. Others will
become more incensed and more violent if their
victims try to fight back. Whatever your decision,
be confident and prepared to follow through.
- Try to escape. Be rude! Scream! Yell! Kick!
Fight! Run!
- Talk, stall for time, and assess your situation.
- If your attacker has a weapon or attempts to
move you to another area, do whatever it takes
to stay alive.
- If your attacker tries to move you to another
area, do whatever it takes to prevent that.
Surviving Rape
- Report rape or sexual assault to the police or rape
crisis center. The sooner you tell, the sooner your
attacker can be sought.
- Preserve all physical evidence. Don’t take a shower,
bathe, change clothes, douche, or throw anything
away that you were wearing during the attack—
don’t even clean your fingernails.
- Go to the emergency room or to your doctor for
medical care immediately.
- Don’t go alone. Ask a
friend or family member to drive you and to wait
for you until your exam is finished.
- Get counseling to help you deal with what
happened. Sexual assault is physically and emotionally
traumatic.
- Constantly remind yourself that this is not your fault.
Keep this information handy:
Download this special Rape Fact Sheet now!
More Critical Information for you:
Information provided courtesy of:
National Crime Prevention Council
1000 Connecticut Avenue,NW
13th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
www.ncpc.org
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