Safety Precautions to Minimize the Risk of Sexual Assault

• Be alert to your surroundings. If you are in an outside environment be aware of the people around you. Growing up in the inner city, I have developed a hyperawareness of anything in my vicinity and especially behind me.

• Be around other people. Don't walk alone and try not to have a situation as my sister had where you are alone in your home with a stranger.

• Walk with confidence when you are outside. Many assailants look for an easy mark, someone who looks vulnerable. I have a certain "don't mess with me" face I put on for when I am in a situation where I have to walk by myself.

• Don't get too physically close to people asking for directions from a car. Once someone gets you into their car then they can pretty much do what they want with you in an isolated location. Do whatever it takes to not be in that position of going in someone's car.

• Carry a cell phone at all times.

• If you are meeting someone for a date for the first time, meet in a public place. This is especially true for those people who meet others on the internet. Or have a group date with other people along.

• Walk in well lit areas and park your car in a lit area. Look in the back seat before getting into the car. Always have your key ready so you are not fumbling around before getting into the car.

• Carry something that makes noise on your keychain like a whistle or alarm.

• Trust your gut. If you feel fear in a situation then there is usually something to provoke that instinct. Act on that instinct and get out of there.

• If you say "NO!" to someone who is making sexual advances and they persist, then this is an immediate warning sign that you need to do what you can to leave as quickly as you can.

• If you are in danger of being attacked, scream, run, yell "FIRE!" break a window, or anything else you can think of to gain attention.

If you have any tips you would like to share about how to prevent sexual assault please share you suggestion in the form of a comment below.

Resources:
            

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network

National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE(4673), the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline

If you are in a dating or domestic violence situation call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE(7233)