Prevention of Sexual Assault

In general, be alert to your surroundings. Walk with confidence and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings, leave. When out with friends at social events, never leave with someone you’ve just met. Don’t take drugs or alcohol, which might cloud your judgement. (Be wary of isolated spots, like underground garages, offices after business hours, and apartment laundry rooms. Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Never hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker. If possible, stay in areas where there are other people, and park your car in well-lighted areas. Always lock your car and have your key ready to use before you reach the car. If you think you are being followed, run towards a lighted house, restaurants, stores or other public places. If possible, always carry a cellular phone.

If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers, lock the doors, stay in your car, and call for help on the cellular phone. If you don’t have a phone, put on the flashers, lift your hood, use flares if possible, get back in the car, and lock the doors. If someone stops to help you, roll the window down enough so he or she can hear you, and ask them to call the police or a tow service.

At home, never open your door to strangers. Always check the identification of salespersons or service people before opening the door. It also is a good idea to have another adult at home with you when service people come, if you can arrange it. Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Have a peephole in the door and well-lighted entrances. Know a neighbor you can call or rely on if something happens.

If you are in an abusive relationship, create a safety plan so you know what you would do in the event of an attempted attack. A safety plan includes: knowing possible escape routes to get away from the attacker (windows, stairwells, basement exits); knowing a safe place to go (a friend or family member you can trust); having a survival kit of money, keys, clothes, and important personal information like bank account numbers, phone numbers, and legal documents; knowing the number for a domestic violence hotline; avoiding arguments with the abuser in areas where there are potential weapons; having a personal savings account, separate from the abuser; and reviewing the plan monthly.