Preventing Sexual Assault
Know the Facts about Rape
Rape is a violent crime-a hostile attack, an attempt to hurt and humiliate. It is not the
result of "uncontrolled passions".
Rape can happen to anyone. Students, working women, wives, mothers, children,
grandmothers, and even males are the victims of rape.
Rape can happen anywhere and at anytime, in public or in your home, day or night.
Rapists are not necessarily strangers. In fact, in over one-third reported cases, the
rapist is an acquaintance, neighbor, friend or relative of the victim.
Rape is one of the most underreported crimes. Most rapists will keep re-offending
until they are caught,, so it is important to report any kind of sexual assault to law
enforcement.
Prevention Tips
First, know the facts about rape. Become aware of locations and situations where
rape might occur and avoid them, if possible.
Consider your alternatives if confronted by a rapist. Practice possible responses so
that you can recall them even under the stress of an encounter.
Safety at Home
Install effective locks on all doors and windows-and use them
Install a peephole viewer in your door, never open your door without knowing who is on the other side. Require salespeople or repair people to show identification.
If you are alone, use only your last name and initials on mail boxes and in telephone
directories.
If strangers telephone or come to your door, don't admit that you are alone.
Don't let any strangers into you home, no matter what the reason or how dire the
emergency. Offer to make an emergency phone call while they wait outside.
If you live in an apartment, avoid being in the laundry room or garage by yourself,
especially at night.
If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, DON'T
GO IN! Go to the nearest phone and call your local law enforcement agency.
Don't Walk Into Danger
Whenever possible, travel with a friend
Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible
Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic.
A rapist looks for someone who appears vulnerable
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 lights and
people. If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk on the other side of the
street
If you are in danger, scream and run or yell "fire"
Car Safety
Keep your car in good working order and the gas tank at least half full
Always lock your car doors after entering or leaving your car
Park in well-lighted areas
As you approach your car, have your car keys in your hand, look under your car and
check the back seat area before entering
If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place
If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers, open the hood, attach a white cloth to
the antennae and wait inside your car with the doors locked. If someone stops to
help, stay in your car and ask them to call the local law enforcement agency, a garage,
or tow service for you
If You Are Attacked...
Remember, your main concern must always be YOUR SAFETY. No one can tell you
whether or not you should fight back, submit, or resist. It depends on you and the
situation.
Keep assessing the situation as it is happening. If one strategy doesn't work, try
another. Possible option are: negotiating, stalling for time, distracting the assailant and
fleeing to a safe place, verbal assertiveness, screaming to attract attention or physical
resistance. Your best defense, however, is to BE PREPARED--know your options
ahead of time. Your safety may depend upon your ability to stay cool and calm.
If You Are a Victim of Rape...
Go to a safe place immediately and call your local law enforcement agency, a rape
crisis center, doctor, friend or relative. The sooner you make the report, the greater
the chances the attacker will be caught.
Do not wash, douche, change clothes or clean up in any way until after talking to law
and going to the hospital. You could destroy valuable evidence for court use.
Remember, you are the victim. You have nothig to feel guilty or ashamed about. You
may want to contact a treatment or crisis center to help you deal with the
consequences of the assault.
Information provided by the Crime and Violence Prevention Center-California Attorney General's Office
