Relationship Risk Reductions
- Be aware that most rapes are committed by someone the victim knows and trusts. If you feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to protect yourself - regardless of whether you know the person.
- Know your limits. Believe in your right to set limits. If there are any questions, STOP and talk.
- Communicate your limits clearly. If your date starts to offend you, say so quickly, firmly, and clearly. Polite approaches may be ignored and misunderstood. Say "NO" when you mean "NO."
- Talk with each other. Communication is the key to a good relationship.
- Date in groups, especially when dating someone new.
- Be aware of your date's actions. Pay attention to behaviors that aren't respectful of you such as put downs, making all of the decisions, or constant teasing - may mean your "friend" doesn't respect your decisions or boundaries.
- Trust your intuition. If you feel that you are being pressured into an unwanted situation, say so. State your feelings and get out of the situation if possible. Don't worry about a few minutes of embarrassment or awkwardness - they will pass.
- Stick with friends that you trust. Agree to look out for one another at parties or get togethers. Use the "buddy system" to check in with friends.
- Avoid alcohol or other drugs. They interfere with your ability to think, act, and communicate clearly. Street and Campus Risk Reductions
- Be aware of who and what is around you. Walk with confidence. Hold your head up and your shoulders straight.
- If you are approached while walking, cross the street or change directions. If you feel that you are being followed, do not go home. In either case, go to a place where there are other people as soon as possible. If you decide to run, run fast as you can and scream to get attention or help.
- If at all possible, walk with someone else. Always walk in well-lit areas, avoid alleys or deserted parking lots, and take special precautions in stairwells, elevators, bathrooms, and parking structures.
- Be prepared. Try to always carry a cell phone, change for a pay phone, small flashlight for your key chain, whistle and/or pepper spray.
- MOST OF ALL-follow your instincts. If you think that you are in danger, try to get out of the situation as quickly as possible.
Vehicle Risk Reductions
- Never leave your keys in your vehicle. It only takes a moment to turn the ignition and leave.
- When going to your car, have your keys ready. It is not safe to stand by a vehicle while looking for keys.
- Before getting into the vehicle, make sure it is unoccupied. Check the back and front seats and floor before unlocking the vehicle.
- Keep your car locked at all times, even while you are in it!
- Don't leave your purse or packages on the seat next to you. Keep all packages in the trunk or under the seats of the vehicle.
- Park in well lit areas. Do not leave valuables in the vehicle unattended. If using valet parking, only give the ignition key to the attendant.
- Never offer or accept a ride from someone that you don't know or trust. If a ride is not going as expected, take action immediately and get out of the car as soon as possible.
- If you feel that you are being followed, do not drive home. Drive to the nearest police station, sheriff's office, or fire station. If this is not possible, go to the nearest public restaurant/business to use the telephone.
At-Home Risk Reductions
- Do regular home inspections. Check your doors and windows for secure frames and hinges. Install a peephole and chain latch to increase your security. Sliding glass doors need pins or "charley bars" to prevent them from being opened from the outside.
- Lock your doors at all times.
- Lock your windows.
- Do not plant shrubbery close to doors and windows. They provide excellent hiding places for burglars, rapists, and peeping toms.
- Always keep your garage door closed and locked.
- Never leave a spare key to your home outside or in the garage.
- If you lose your keys or move into a residence (new or old), change the locks. You never know who has a copy of the keys!
- If you think that your residence has been broken into, DO NOT ENTER. Call police from another location.
