· 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.
