How to Reduce Your Risk (for Women)

The tips were designed to help young women learn how to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of rape.

  1. Practice basic safety. Be aware your surroundings and have body language that says, "Don't mess with me." Rapists look for victims who are vulnerable: those who are alone, in isolated places or those who leave doors or windows unlocked.
  2. Know your boundaries: physical boundaries define the comfortable space between you and another person and emotional boundaries determine how you let others treat you. If you let a person know that a behavior is bothering you and he persists, he is invading your boundaries. Remove yourself from the situation.
  3. Don't assume you and another person want to express affection in the same ways or have the same limits. Know your sexual limits and communicate them firmly and directly. Don't assume that your date will automatically know how you feel or will eventually get the message without your having to tell him directly.
  4. remember that some guys think that drinking alcohol, dressing attractively or agreeing to go out on a date are signs that you are willing to have sex. Be especially careful to clearly communicate your limits and intentions in such situations.
  5. Don't give mixed messages. You have the right to say "no" to unwanted sexual contact. If you say "no," say it like you mean it. Don't say "stop" but then resume kissing a few minutes later.
  6. Attend large parties with friends you can trust, and agree that you'll look out for one another.
  7. Try to leave a party, concert, game or other social occasion with a group instead of alone or with someone you just met or don't know very well.
  8. Listen to your gut feelings. When a situation just doesn't feel right, get to a safe place. Better to live through a few minutes of embarrassment than to be sexually assaulted.
  9. Understand the power of your voice. If you feel like you are in danger, shout or scream to draw attention to the situation. Commands like "No!" "Go away!" or "Back off!" are excellent attention-getters if you feel threatened.
  10. Don't be afraid to make waves if you are being pressured into sexual activity. You have the right to resist- shout, scream, scratch or kick.
  11. Take martial arts. Self-defense training can or may give you more confidence and improve your physical strength. Training is effective, but it takes continuous practice and is not a substitute for common sense and awareness.
  12. Be careful not to let alcohol or other drugs decrease your ability to take care of yourself and make sensible decisions.
  13. Check out on a first date or a blind date with friends. Insist on going to a public place like a movie, sporting event or restaurant. Carry money for a phone call and taxi, or take your own car.
  14. Pay attention to warning signs that indicate a person might harm you:a disrespectful or dominating attitude toward you, extreme jealousy, unnecessary physical roughness and/or abusive behavior. Be wary of anyone who puts you down, tries to control how you dress or your choice of friends, insists on calling the shots or pressures you into activities you don't want to do- he may do the same thing when it comes to sex.
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Updated
December 18, 2007