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Preventing Sexual Assault
#24 - 2--naselfdefense--Preventing Sexual Assault--2008-04-04 06:48:47
#
Sexual assault is not a crime of passion... it's a crime of violence.
The victims can feel scared, helpless, humiliated, and completely violated.
Below are a few tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime.
- · Always be aware of your surroundings.
· Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.
· Walk confidently, directly, at a steady pace. A rapist looks for someone who appears vulnerable.
· Walk on the side of the street facing traffic.
· Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where rapists can hide.
· If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to areas where there are people and lights. If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction or walk on the other side of the street.
· Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car.
· If you are in trouble or feel you are in danger, don't be afraid to attract help any way you can. Scream, yell or run away to safety.
· Always lock your car. Keep your car locked when you are away from it to keep someone from hiding and waiting inside.
· When you are inside the car, lock the doors for safety.
· Look inside and around your car before you get in.
· Be aware of other people in parking areas, especially those close to your vehicle.
· If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police station to get help.
· If your car breaks down, open the hood or attach a white cloth to the antenna. If someone stops to help, stay inside your locked vehicle and ask them to call the police.
· If you choose to carry any type of weapon for self-protection, give careful consideration to your ability and willingness to use it. Remember there is always the chance that it could be taken away and used against you.
If you are in immediate danger of being raped, here are some things that you can do.
Make a loud noise - Carry a whistle or scream "police" to attract attention
Run - Only run if there is somewhere safe to run to. If there is no where to go you may aggravate the assailant further by running
Stall - Speak calmly and rationally. Try not to plead, cry or show that you're scared, this may be the reaction that he's going for. Rape is not an act of love or passion, it is a crime of violence and domination.
Urinate or vomit - Do anything you can to repulse the assailant. Tell him that you have a STD or AIDS.
Fight - Women who resist attacks and act quickly are less likely to be raped, than those who are passive. The optimum time to react is in the first 20 seconds when the body releases chemicals in the blood that help to put up a fight. Be cautious if he has a weapon.
Keep alert - Even though it will be difficult, try to pay attention to as many details as possible, so that you can identify your assailant.
Get help - Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Police are becoming more willing to help victims of rape. You are not obligated to press charges or go to court.
Collect evidence - Do not bathe, shower, or douche. If you change clothes, put the clothes you were raped in into a bag and seal it.
Tell someone - Call the police, rape crisis counselor, telephone operator, or friend. It is very important that someone knows and that it is not kept a secret.--comments-->0--135--1