Community Resources Domestic Violence 24-hour Crisis Line
800 799-SAFE
Project Sister (Rape Crisis Center)
909 626-HELP or 909 966-4155
Support Network
800-572-2782
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-787-3224
Myth: Rape is just unwanted sex and isn't really a violent crime.
Fact: Rape is more than just unwanted sex. Rape is an act of violence because the rapist uses force as a
motive for power and control. One out of every eight adult women has been a victim of forcible rape.
(National Victim Center and Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, 1992).
Ways to Prevent Sexual Violence — FOR WOMEN
Be aware of your surroundings. There is a higher chance of avoiding sexual assault just by being aware of what and who is around
you. Being cautious and alert can only be to your benefit.
Know your sexual desires and limits. Believe in your right to set those limits
Communicate your limits as clearly as possible. If someone starts to offend you, tell him early and firmly. Being polite is O.K. as long as you are firm
and assertive. Say "no" when you mean "no" and be prepared to repeat it.
Dress comfortably. Dress as you please. However, non-restrictive clothing could be an advantage. We don't want to
lead anyone to think that when a woman dresses provocatively she is giving permission to be
sexually violated. Nobody asks to be sexually violated or raped, but to be aware that if someone
ignores your limits and assertiveness, you want to be able to run and fight back if needed.
Therefore, tight clothing and high heels could be a disadvantage.
Avoid excessive us of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs interfere with clear thinking and effective communication.
*If you are walking alone, try to have a whistle with you. If you find yourself in danger, blow the whistle to
attract attention for help. Another item that may help you if in danger is Chemical Mace, to spray in attackers
eyes. Using items such as keys, pencils, pens, or books can also be used to defend yourself against an
attacker.
Ways to Prevent Sexual Violence — FOR MEN
Be aware of your surroundings. There is a higher chance of avoiding sexual assault just by being aware of what and who is around
you. Being cautious and alert can only be to your benefit.
Know your sexual desires and limits, communicate them clearly. Be aware of social pressures. There is nothing wrong with not "hooking up".
Communicate your limits as clearly as possible. If someone starts to offend you, tell him early and firmly. Being polite is O.K. as long as you are firm
and assertive. Say "no" when you mean "no" and be prepared to repeat it.
Avoid excessive us of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs interfere with clear thinking and effective communication.
*If you are walking alone, try to have a whistle with you. If you find yourself in danger, blow the whistle to
attract attention for help. Another item that may help you if in danger is Chemical Mace, to spray in attackers
eyes. Using items such as keys, pencils, pens, or books can also be used to defend yourself against an
attacker.
Being turned down when you ask for sex is not a rejection of
you personally. Women or men who say "No" to sex are not rejecting the person; they are expressing their desire to not participate in a single act. Your desires may be beyond your control but your actions are
within your control.
Accept the person's decision. "No" means "No." Don't read other meanings into the answer. Don't continue after "No." Stop.
Do not assume that just because a person dresses in a sexy manner and flirts that that
person wants to have sexual intercourse.
Do not assume that previous permission for sexual contact applies to the current situation.
Nine Ways to Avoid Rape
Rape is not just an act committed in a dark alley by an unknown assailant. The truth is that most rapes occur
in the victim's home. About 60 percent of victims who report their rape know their assailants.
Thinking and talking about the different types of sexual assault, and what you might do if you ever find
yourself in a bad situation, can increase your chances of avoiding rape.
Always walk briskly; look alert and confident, avoid carrying objects requiring use of both arms.
Stay away from isolated areas, day or night.
Never walk alone when it is dark.
If you are being followed, get away fast, change directions, and walk or run to a crowded area.
Lock all doors to your car and residence at all times.
Before you drive home, call your roommate, family or a friend so they will expect you and be aware
If you are excessively late.
Encourage group activities in early stages of a relationship.
Take a self-defense class.
Be aware of legislation that concerns your gender and contact legislators to express your views.
What To Do in a Risky Situation
Stay calm, consider your options and how safe it would be to resist.
Say "NO" strongly. Do not smile; do not act polite or friendly.
Say something like "Stop it. This is Rape!" This might shock the rapist into stopping.
If the rapist is unarmed, fight back physically, shout "NO!" and run away as soon as possible.
If the rapist is armed, try to talk the person out of continuing the assault, or try passive resistance
(vomit, urinate, pretend to faint).
What to do in Case of a Rape
Get to a safe place.
Call a friend or family member to be with you.
Breathe deeply and remind yourself that you are of value, and that what has happened is wrong
and in no way your fault.
Call the police. A crime has been committed.
Do not bathe, douche, use an enema or change clothes.
You may be destroying legal evidence, regardless of whether you pursue legal action or not.
Go to a hospital emergency department for medical care. This can be done without police
intervention, if that is your choice.
Write down as much as you can remember about the circumstance of the assault and the identity
of your assailant.
Seek the counseling and legal assistance from a rape treatment center. The counselor there can
help you deal with the consequences of an assault.
Reporting the assault is a way of regaining your sense of personal power and control. It enables you
to actively protest the violent crime that has been committed against you.
Reporting and prosecuting the assailant are essential in establishing new norms that this behavior is NOT
okay. Taking legal steps helps prevent rape and protect other potential victims.
How to Help a Friend
Believe your friend. A few people are going to act as if you friend has lied or done something
wrong. She/he will need your support.
Listen carefully and do not laugh. People often laugh if they are embarrassed or nervous.
Help your friend to report the rape to someone who can help — a counselor, school nurse, parent,
child protective service worker, teacher, or police officer.
Let your friend know it is not her/his fault. People who have been touched inappropriately often feel
that they have done something wrong.
Be confidential and protect your friend's privacy. Talk to a trusted adult if this situation is bothering
you.
Be verbal in letting your friend know that you care and that you support her/him.
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