Ways to Reduce your Risk of Sexual Assault
As with any violent crime, there’s nothing you can do to guarantee that you will not be a victim of sexual violence. But there are many steps you can take to help reduce your risk of being assaulted. Click on the links below to learn some recommended methods to help reduce your risk.
While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
- Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
- Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
- Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
- Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
- Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.
- Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
Computer Safety Procedures
Cache and History Cleaning and Erasing Cookies
The following are step-by-step directions on how to protect your privacy, by cleaning the cache and history and erasing the cookies on your computer, so that others are not able to go onto your computer and check up on what you have been doing. The directions are operating system- and browser-specific, so make sure to pay attention to the relevant information for your computer.
For more information on computer safety, read RAINN's newsletter for January 2008 Stalking Awareness Month.
Important Note
If you have any reason to suspect that someone may be tracking your computer usage, please think carefully about whether or not you will want to complete these privacy steps. If someone is tracking your computer usage, they may grow suspicious if all records of internet activity disappear.
What is Cache?
The cache is an area of the hard disc where web pages are stored when a page is downloaded from the internet. It allows for recently viewed pages to be viewed more rapidly or even offline.
What is History?
A list of the different URLs (or websites) you have visited. This is what fills in the URL line for you when you are returning to a website you have visited before.
To see your history on a Mac, type Apple + H.
To see your history on a PC, type Control + H.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are storage files that collect personal information that you have provided to particular vendors on the internet (e.g., your name, address, phone number, things you have ordered, etc.). Only information you have provided is stored, and cookies are used to speed up the interactive process when you are online with a vendor. For instance, when you go to Amazon.com, you may notice that the advertisements seem to be relevant to your interests; that is because your reading and music preferences are stored in cookies, so that the web page can advertise specific deals that fit your taste.
Clearing the Cache and History
Firefox for the MAC
Clearing the Cache
- Click on Firefox from the top menu.
- Under Firefox, click on Preferences.
- Click on Privacy.
- Click on the tab labeled Cache.
- Click on Clear Cache Now button.
Clearing the History
- Click on Firefox from the top menu.
- Under Firefox, click on Preferences.
- Click on the Privacy icon.
- Click on the tab labeled History.
- Click on Clear Browsing History Now button.
Erasing Cookies
- Click on Firefox from the top menu.
- Under Firefox, click on Preferences.
- Click on Privacy icon.
- Click on the tab labeled Cookies.
- Click on Clear Cookies Now button.
Firefox for the PC
- Select Tools from the top menu, and Options from the drop down list.
- Click on the Privacy button in the left menu.
- To clear the list of sites that you have visited, select History and then click the Clear button.
- To clear your Cookies and Cache from the Privacy list, select both and then click the Clear button.
Internet Explorer 6.0 for the PC:
Clear the Cache
- Select Tools from the top menu, and click Internet Options.
- On the Internet Options window, click the Delete Files... button.
- If you are prompted for confirmation, click OK.
Erasing Cookies:
- After clearing your cache you can continue on to erase your cookies.
- On the Internet Options window, click Delete Cookies... button.
- If you are prompted for confirmation, click OK.
- Click OK to return to Internet Explorer.
Clear the History:
- Select Tools from the top menu, and click Internet Options.
- Click on the Clear History button.
- When you have completed the changes you wish to make, click OK.
Further Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself
Updating Windows:
If you use a Windows operating system, you may want to make sure that your Windows version is as up-to-date as possible. For information on how to do this go to Use Microsoft Update to Help Keep Your Computer Content.
Protecting Yourself from Viruses and Spyware:
If you don't already use up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware programs in order to keep your computer safer, we recommend that you either buy or download a free program that will help to protect you and your computer.
In order to facilitate your obtaining such programs, we have provided you with links that will direct you to both paid and free anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.
Protecting Yourself from Keystroke Logging:
Keystroke logging is when someone has installed hardware or software onto your computer that tracks all typing that you do. This means that they can trace everything you do on your computer, from what you type, to tracking down usernames and passwords. For obvious reasons, this is a dangerous and aggressive form of tracking, and can be a difficult thing to trace. For more information on how to see if you have keystroke logging, and what possible options are for removal, visit the following article: Privacy Watch: Don't Let Anyone Secretly Track Your Keystrokes
Google Desktop Search
Google Desktop Search is a popular tool that mimics the Google website search techniques on your personal computer, so that you can search for files in your computer in a new and faster way. While this may be a nice feature, and you may enjoy using it, it also poses a security threat, in that it can then save login names and passwords, save the webpages you go to (i.e., the Online Hotline), and store information that you access from the Online Hotline.
Therefore, we suggest that if you have Google Desktop Search on your computer, you disable it before using the Online Hotline, so as to protect your private information.
Find a Safer Computer
If other people can access your computer, please take a moment to think about whether your computer is safe. This is particularly important if the person abusing you may have access to your computer.
If you have any reason to think that your computer may not be safe due to Spyware, Keystroke Logging, Viruses, or someone monitoring your computer use in some other way, please consider finding a safer computer in your area and accessing the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline from there.
Go to your local library or rape assistance center and use their computers.
Please take a moment to think about whether your computer is safe. This is particularly important if the person abusing you may have access to your computer.
How Can I Protect My Child From Sexual Assault?
Parents are surrounded by messages about child sexual abuse. Talk shows and TV news warn parents about dangers at school, in the home and on the Internet. Despite all the media coverage, parents don’t get much advice about how to talk to their children about sexual abuse and how to prevent it.
Talk to your children about sexuality and sexual abuse in age-appropriate terms.
- Talking openly and directly about sexuality teaches children that it is okay to talk to you when they have questions.
- Teach children the names of their body parts so that they have the language to ask questions and express concerns about those body parts.
- Teach children that some parts of their body are private.
- Let children know that other people should not be touching or looking at their private parts unless they need to touch them to provide care. If someone does need to touch them in those private areas, a parent of trusted caregiver should be there, too.
- Tell children that if someone tries to touch those private areas or wants to look at them, OR if someone tries to show the child their own private parts, they should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.
- All children should be told that it’s okay to say “no” to touches that make them uncomfortable or if someone is touching them in ways that make them uncomfortable and that they should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.
- This can lead to some slightly embarrassing situations, such as a child who then says they don’t want give a relative a hug or kiss! Work with your child to find ways to greet people that don’t involve uncomfortable kinds of touch.
- Talking openly about sexuality and sexual abuse also teaches children that these things don’t need to be “secret.” Abusers will sometimes tell a child that the abuse is a secret. Let your children know that if someone is touching them or talking to them in ways that make them uncomfortable that it shouldn’t stay a secret.
- Make sure to tell your child that that they will not get into trouble if they tell you this kind of secret.
- Don’t try to put all this information into one big “talk” about sex.
- Talking about sexuality and sexual abuse should be routine conversations.
Be involved in your child’s life.
- Be interested in your child’s activities.
- Ask your child about the people they go to school with or play with.
- If your child is involved in sports, go to games and practices. Get to know the other parents and coaches.
- If your child is involved in afterschool activities or daycare, ask them what they did during the day.
- Talk about the media.
- If your child watches a lot of television or plays video games, watch or play with them.
- Many TV shows (for example, CSI or Law and Order) show sexual violence of different kinds.Some video games (for example, Grand Theft Auto) allow the user to engage in sexual violence.
- Use examples from TV or games that you have watched or played together to start up conversations about sexuality and sexual abuse.
- If your child watches a lot of television or plays video games, watch or play with them.
- Know the other adults that your child might talk to.
- Children sometimes feel that they cannot talk to their parents.
- Know the other trusted adults in your child’s life.
Be available.
- Make time to spend with your child.
- Let your child know that they can come to you if they have questions or if someone is talking to them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Be sure to follow up on this! If your child comes to you with concerns or questions, make time to talk to them.
When you empower your child to say “no” to unwanted touch and teach them that they can come to you with questions and concerns, you take critical steps to preventing child sexual abuse.
If Someone is Pressuring You
If someone is pressuring you to engage in sexual activity, it is important to remember that being in this situation is not your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong, it is the person who is making you uncomfortable who is to blame. But if you need to get out of an uncomfortable or scary situation here are some things that you can try:
- Trust your instincts. Don’t feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to. “I don’t want to” is always a good enough reason.
- Be true to yourself. Do what feels right to you and what you are comfortable with.
- Have a code word with your friends or family so that if you don’t feel comfortable you can call them and communicate your discomfort without the person you are with knowing. Your friends or family can then come to get you or make up an excuse for you to leave.
- Lie. If you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings it is better to lie and make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse. Some excuses you could use are: needing to take care of a friend or family member, not feeling well, having somewhere else that you need to be, etc.
- Try to think of an escape route. How would you try to get out of the room? Where are the doors? Windows? Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?
- If you and/or the other person have been drinking, you can say that you would rather wait until you both have your full judgment.
In a Social Situation
While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted in social situations.
- When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other and leave together.
- Practice safe drinking. Try not to leave any beverages unattended or accept drinks from someone you don’t know or trust.
- Have a buddy system. Don’t be afraid to let a friend know if something is making you uncomfortable or if you are worried about your or your friend’s safety.
- If someone you don’t know or trust asks you to go somewhere alone, let him or her know that you would rather stay with the group.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way out of a bad situation.
Safety Planning
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or is in an abusive relationship, there are things to consider when thinking about safety. It may be helpful to create a safety plan or to think about some ways to stay and feel safer. Depending on where you live, there may be unique circumstances to think about. The following information is divided up into rural, suburban and urban, and college campus safety tips. There is a lot of overlap but there are also things that are unique to each location. Please review the one that is closest to your situation.
Safety Planning in Rural Communities
In rural communities, there are fewer services that provide support for victims of sexual assault and dating and domestic violence. It can also be a challenge to maintain privacy due to the small community size.
Things to think about:
How to get away if there is an emergency
- Be conscious of exits or other escape routes
- Think about options for transportation (car, bus, train, etc.)
Who can help
- Friends, family
- Support centers, if there are any in your area
- National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE(4673), the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or, if you are in a dating or domestic violence situation, the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE(7233)
Where to go
- Friend’s house
- Relative’s house
- A domestic violence or homeless shelter (if there are not any domestic violence shelters in your area, and you are contemplating leaving the town, you may want to consider going to a homeless shelter)
- The police (even if the police know both you and the perpetrator—they are still responsible for doing their job).
- Important: If the dangerous situation involves a partner, go to the police or a shelter first.
What to bring:
- Important papers and documents: birth certificate, social security card, license, passport, medical records, lease, bills, etc.
- House keys, car keys, cash, credit cards, medicine, important numbers, cell phone
- If you are bringing children with you, remember to bring their important papers and legal documents
- Keep all of these things in an emergency bag
- Hide the bag—best if not in house or car
- If the bag is discovered, can call it a “hurricane”, “tornado” or “fire” bag
How to anticipate and respond to a perpetrator’s actions
- Be conscious of places the perpetrator frequents (work schedule, favorite places to go, etc.)
- Plan what you would say and do if you came into contact with him or her
Traveling Safety:
If you need to get away and there is no public transportation in your area, try to find someone who will allow you to use his or her car if you do not have one at your disposal.
Driving
- Keep your doors locked
- Have extra car necessities (oil, jumper cables, etc.)
- Try not to wait until the last minute to fill your gas tank; always keep it half-way full if you can
- Have your keys ready when you go to unlock your car
- Plan your route and know what “safe” places are on it (police stations, hospitals, etc.)
Home Safety:
- Change the locks on doors and windows
- Keep your doors locked, even when you are at home
- Install a security system
- Install outside lighting system (with motion detectors)
- Do not prop doors
- Close blinds/curtains at night
- Keep car doors locked, even in your own driveway
Tips to Remember
- Keep cash with you at all times
- Keep some change accessible just in case you need to use a pay phone
- Memorize all important numbers/have important numbers easily accessible on your cell phone (if you have one)
- Establish a code word so that family, friends, etc. know when to call for help
- Have a backup plan in case the first fails
- Carry a small noisemaker (like a whistle) and/or flashlight on your keychain
- Be aware of your routine and try to alter it sometimes, if possible
- Have an extra copy of keys
- Try to keep in contact with people/organizations who are helping you
Safety Planning in Urban or Suburban Areas
Things to think about:
How to get away if there is an emergency
- Be conscious of exits or other escape routes
- Think about options for transportation (car, bus, subway, etc.)
Who can help
- Friends, family
- Support centers if there are any in your area
- National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE(4673), the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline(LINK TO: /ohl-bridge.php) or, if you are in a dating or domestic violence situation, the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE(7233)
Where to go
- Friend’s house
- Relative’s house
- A domestic violence or homeless shelter (if there are not any domestic violence shelters in your area, and you are contemplating leaving the town, you may want to consider going to a homeless shelter)
- The police
- Important Safety Note: If the dangerous situation involves a partner, go to the police or a shelter first.
What to bring
- Important papers and documents: birth certificate, social security card, license, passport, medical records, lease, bills, etc.
- House keys, car keys, cash, credit cards, medicine, important numbers, cell phone
- If you are bringing children with you, remember to bring their important papers and legal documents
- Keep all of these things in an emergency bag
- Hide the bag—best if not in house or car
- If the bag is discovered, can call it a “hurricane”, “tornado” or “fire” bag
How to anticipate and respond to a perpetrator’s actions
- Be conscious of places the perpetrator frequents (work schedule, favorite places to go, etc.)
- Plan what you would say and do if you came into contact with him or her
Traveling Safety:
Walking
- Make sure your cell phone (if you have one) is easily accessible
- Keep some change accessible just in case you need to use a pay phone
- Take major, public streets and paths rather than less populated shortcuts
- Avoid dimly lit places and talk to authorities if lights need to be installed in an area
- Avoid walking alone whenever possible
- Carry a small noisemaker (like a whistle) and/or flashlight on your keychain
- Remain mentally alert and aware of your surroundings
- Plan your route and know what “safe” places are on it (police stations, hospitals, etc.)
Driving
- Keep your doors locked
- Have extra car necessities (oil, jumper cables, etc.)
- Try not to wait until the last minute to fill your gas tank; always keep it at least half full if you can
- Have your keys ready when you go to unlock your car
- Plan your route and know what “safe” places are on it (police stations, hospitals, etc.)
Taking the bus or subway
- Be alert at bus or subway stops when waiting for them to arrive
- Use the bus or subway schedule to avoid waiting for a long time at a stop
- Plan your route to use the busiest, best-lighted stop possible
- If someone is bothering you on the bus or subway, tell the driver or use the emergency signal
- If you feel uneasy about getting off at your usual stop, stay on until the next stop or wait until the safest stop
Home Safety:
- Change the locks on doors and windows
- Keep house doors locked, even when you are at home
- Install a security system
- Install outside lighting system (with motion detectors)
- Do not prop doors or windows
- Close blinds/curtains at night
- Keep car doors locked, even in your own driveway or garage
Tips to Remember
- Keep change/cash with you at all times
- Memorize all important numbers/have important numbers easily accessible on your cell phone (if you have one)
- Establish a code word so that family, friends, etc. know when to call for help
- Have a backup plan in case the first fails
- Be aware of your daily routine and try to alter it sometimes, if possible
- Keep in contact with people/organizations who are helping you
- Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, leave the situation and go to a safe place
Safety Planning on a College Campus
Things to think about:
How to get away if there is an emergency
- Be conscious of exits or other escape routes
- Think about options for transportation (car, bus, train, etc.)
Who can help
- Friends, family
- Support centers if there are any in your area
- Campus safety or local police
- National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE(4673), the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline, or if you are in a dating or domestic violence, situation the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE(7233)
Where to go
- Friend’s dorm room or apartment
- Relative’s house
- A domestic violence or homeless shelter (if there are not any domestic violence shelters in your area, and you are contemplating leaving the town, you may want to consider going to a homeless shelter)
- The police or campus safety (even if campus safety knows both you and the perpetrator—they are still responsible for doing their jobs)
- Important Safety Note: If the dangerous situation involves a partner go to the police or a shelter first.
What to bring
- Important papers and documents: birth certificate, social security card, license, passport, medical records, bills, etc.
- House or dorm room keys, car keys, cash, credit cards, medicine,
important numbers, cell phone
- Keep all of these things in an emergency bag
- Hide the bag—best if not in house or car
- If the bag is discovered, can call it a “hurricane”, “tornado” or “fire” bag
At parties
- Be aware of rape drugs
- Try not to leave your drink unattended
- Only drink from un-opened containers or from drinks you have watched being made and poured
- Avoid group drinks like punch bowls
- Cover your drink. It is easy to slip in a small pill even while you are holding your drink. Hold a cup with your hand over the top, or choose drinks that are contained in a bottle and keep your thumb over the nozzle
- If you feel extremely tired or drunk for no apparent reason, you may have been drugged. Find your friends and ask them to leave with you as soon as possible
- If you suspect you have been drugged, go to a hospital and ask to be tested
- Keep track of how many drinks you have had
- Try to come and leave with a group of people you trust
- Avoid giving out your personal information (phone number, where you live, etc.). If someone asks for your number, take his/her number instead of giving out yours
Traveling around campus
Walking
- Make sure your cell phone is easily accessible and fully charged
- Be familiar with where emergency phones are installed on the campus
- Be aware of open buildings where you can use a phone
- Keep some change accessible just in case you need to use a pay phone
- Take major, public paths rather than less populated shortcuts
- Avoid dimly lit places and talk to campus services if lights need to be installed in an area
- Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
- Walking back from the library very late at night is sometimes unavoidable, so try to walk with a friend
- Carry a noisemaker (like a whistle) on your keychain
- Carry a small flashlight on your keychain
- If walking feels unsafe, try calling campus security. Many campuses offer safe ride programs
Driving
- Keep your doors locked
- Have extra car necessities (oil, jumper cables, etc.)
- Try not to wait until the last minute to fill your gas tank; always keep it at least half full if you can
- Have your keys ready when you go to unlock your car
Taking the bus
- Be alert at bus stops when waiting for the bus to arrive
- Use the bus schedule to avoid waiting for a long time at a stop
- Plan your route to use the busiest, best-lighted stop possible
- If someone is bothering you on the bus, tell the driver
- If you feel uneasy about getting off at your usual stop, stay on the bus until the next stop or wait until the bus goes around to your usual stop the second time
Dorm safety
- Lock your door when you go to sleep and when you are not in the room
- Keep your window locked (especially if it is easy to enter from the ground)
- If people constantly prop open the main dorm door, talk to an authority about it
- If your dorm has an elevator, try to stay near the button dashboard when are you riding in it so that you have easy access to the emergency button. Also, if you feel threatened, you can push the button for the next floor and leave immediately instead of waiting for the elevator to reach the floor where you live
- Avoid isolated areas (stairways, laundry rooms, basement, etc.) when you are alone
If you have been sexually assaulted there are some additional steps you can take to help feel safer:
How to anticipate and respond to perpetrator’s actions
- Be conscious of places the perpetrator frequents (work schedule, class schedule, where s/he likes to eat, what club meetings s/he has, what sports practices s/he has, etc.)
- Know which people the perpetrator usually hangs out with and what social events s/he likes to attend
- Plan what you would say and do if you came into contact with him or her
General tips
- Use the resources that your campus offers (sexual assault services, psychological services, health services, campus police force, escort service, etc.)
- If you are concerned about anonymity, use any resources that the neighboring community provides
- Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, leave the situation and go to a safe place
Finally…
Remember: it is not your fault.
References:
1. Seattle University Campus Public Safety. CPS Handbook.
While individuals of both genders are perpetrators of sexual assault, the majority of those who commit sexual assaults are men. Even so, it is important to remember that the vast majority of men are not rapists.
There are many things men (and women) can do to help prevent sexual violence.
If you see someone in danger of being assaulted:
- Step in and offer assistance. Ask if the person needs help. NOTE: Before stepping in, make sure to evaluate the risk. If it means putting yourself in danger, call 911 instead.
- Don’t leave. If you remain at the scene and are a witness, the perpetrator is less likely to do anything.
- If you know the perpetrator, tell him or her that you do not approve of what s/he is doing. Ask him or her to leave the potential victim alone.
Be an ally:
- When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other frequently and leave together.
- Have a buddy system. Don’t be afraid to let a friend know if you are worried about her/his safety.
- If you see someone who is intoxicated, offer to call him or her a cab.
If someone you know has been assaulted:
- Listen. Be there. Don’t be judgmental.
- Be patient. Remember, it will take your friend some time to deal with the crime.
- Help to empower your friend or family member. Sexual assault is a crime that takes away an individual’s power, it is important not to compound this experience by putting pressure on your friend or family member to do things that he or she is not ready to do yet.
- Encourage your friend to report the rape to law enforcement (call 911 in most areas). If your friend has questions about the criminal justice process, talking with someone on the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE can help.
- Let your friend know that professional help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.
- If your friend is willing to seek medical attention or report the assault, offer to accompany them wherever they need to go (hospital, police station, campus security, etc.)
- Encourage him or her to contact one of the hotlines, but realize that only your friend can make the decision to get help.
Changing the culture:
There are certain things in our culture that make sexual assault more possible. By speaking out and educating ourselves and others, we can help to decrease the number of sexual assaults.
- Become knowledgeable about the issue and share your knowledge with others.
- Volunteer for RAINN or your local rape crisis center and help educate your community about preventing sexual violence.
.