Sexual Assault Prevention

Sexual assault is not a sexual crime. An attacker is not motivated by sexual desire. Sexual assault is a violent crime to hurt and humiliate. Most sexual offenders don’t act strangely or look peculiar and are sometimes acquainted with the victim in one way or another. Sexual assault can happen to anyone. Following these tips may help you from becoming a victim.

On the street

Stay in well lit areas.
Walk in the middle of the sidewalk, against the flow of traffic travelling on the street.
Avoid doorways, pillars, alleyways, shrubbery, or any other place someone may hide.
Wear clothes and shoes that provide you with freedom of movement.
Don’t burden yourself with too may packages.
While waiting for the bus or a ride, be aware of the traffic flow and wary of any vehicle that passes slowly or returns.
If someone in a vehicle stops and asks you for directions, stay at a safe distance away from the vehicle when responding. Never get close.
If you believe you are being followed, cross the street and find a safe place (an open business or occupied residence).

In your car

Plan your route ahead of time and stay on well travelled roads.
Keep the doors locked at all times.
Use your air conditioner and keep your windows rolled up tightly. If your vehicle is not equipped with an air conditioner, lower your windows slightly for ventilation.
Park in well-lighted areas, away from bushes and pillars where someone can hide.
Be alert in underground or multi-level parking structures.
Never give your entire key ring to a valet who is parking your vehicle. Provide only the ignition key.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
When returning to your vehicle, approach your door with your key in your hands, ready to use.
Check the backseat and interior of your vehicle before you enter.
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
If your vehicle stalls, turn on your hazard lights and remain in you locked car. If you have a cellular telephone, call 9-1-1 and an officer will be dispatched to your location. If someone stops to help, ask them to call the police for you or inform them the police are on the way.
Should a police officer need to stop you, the officer will signal the stop with a flashing blue light and a siren. You should pull over to the side of the roadway. If you are suspicious concerning the circumstances of the stop, do not pull over. Instead, signal to acknowledge the officer’s presence, and then proceed to a safe place to stop (gas station or shopping mall). The officer will be in uniform wearing a badge on the left chest area and the officer’s name embroidered on the right breast pocket.
If you think you’re being followed, drive to a public place or the nearest police station.

At work

Know your work area and park in areas that are well lit.
Keep to areas with pedestrian traffic.
Avoid stairways that can be isolated and dangerous.
When in an elevator, stand close to the control panel in the event you have to exit quickly or sound the alarm.
If you are working late, notify a family member or friend with an approximate time when you expect to be home.
Travel in groups. There is safety in numbers.

Confrontation

Your best method of self defense is to avoid potentially dangerous situations. However, if you are confronted, only you can determine the best course of action to take. There are two forms of resistance, passive and active. Nobody can tell you if resistance will benefit or worsen the situation; however, the following information is being provided as tips to consider.

Passive resistance

Try to calm the attacker.
Inform your attacker you are pregnant, have a sexually transmitted disease, or menstruating.
If you are home, tell the attacker your husband or boyfriend will be home shortly.

Active resistance

Screaming may dissuade the attacker if he fears someone will intervene.
Run if you can; distance is your best protection.
If you decide to use physical force to protect yourself, remember all strikes should be aimed at vulnerable locations on the attacker’s body.

Kick to the groin.
Poke in the eye.
Chop to the front of the throat.
Stomp to the foot (instep).

If the attacker is armed, you must consider your options carefully. If at all possible, you should not allow the attacker to take you to a second location.

If you should become a victim

As soon as you are safe, call the police.
While waiting for the officer to arrive, you must preserve any evidence that might assist the investigation in identifying the attacker.

Do not wash or shower.
Do not throw away any clothing.
Do not add or remove anything from the area where the attack occurred.

Once the officer arrives, provide a description of the suspect, the suspect vehicle (if used), and the location where the attack occurred.
You will be transported to an area hospital where you will receive treatment from staff members trained to deal with sexual assault trauma.
You will be met by a detective specially trained to investigate these types of crimes.