How to Avoid Being the Victim of a Sexual Assault
How to Avoid Being the Victim of a Sexual Assault
On nearly any day of the year, you can turn on the nightly news and learn about a rapist who is being looked for, hear of one that has been apprehended or learn about sexual misconduct from those in a position of authority; and, sad to say, there is no region where sexual crimes are not committed. Furthermore, despite the large numbers of those crimes that are actually reported, there are many others where the victims are either too embarrassed to report the crime or worse yet, think it is "their fault" so say nothing at all.
Because of situations like these, it is absolutely necessary that one knows how to avoid being a victim. Yes, having Dallas/Fort Worth home alarm systems , or any other local security system in place will protect you from someone getting into your home, but it is also important that you do your part to avoid becoming a victim. Perhaps, the first thing one must recognize is that there is no place or time that precludes a sexual assault occurring. Yes, things like going out alone after dark or hitch hiking are higher risk situations, but rapes and assault occur in numerous scenarios every hour of the day. Consequently, it is vital that one takes steps to lower their risk of becoming a victim. Here are some actions to make a part of your lifestyle-no matter where you live.
Be alert. Don't go on a solo date with someone you don't know anything about. If you are meeting someone new, be sure to meet in a public place, bring your own vehicle, and, if possible have friends nearby perhaps at a different table at the same restaurant/area. Ask the person if they would be willing to go out with a group or perhaps have a double date.
Set limits and communicate those limits in regards to physical contact. Be clear and firm in what is or is not acceptable. Don't be afraid to leave if things feel like they are getting out of control.
If you feel uncomfortable, leave. Make sure always have money for a cab if you don't have a vehicle of your own. Also, be sure your cell phone is charged and that you go somewhere that you have a strong signal.
Not all rapes and assaults occur on a date, outside of one's home or by a "stranger"; in fact, a large number of sexual assaults are done by someone the victim knows and occur on the victims own turf. Know how to defend yourself. If necessary, leave the location calling 911 as you do. Have safe houses established that you can go to.
Trust your instincts!!! If someone, some place, or a scenario makes you uncomfortable leave. There is no apology needed for erring on the side of caution. Many would be victims are not assaulted simply because they left a scenario that made them uncomfortable.
In the event of an assault, there are several approaches you can take. These are divided into passive and active resistance:
Passive: Try to calm the attacker and persuade them to abort the attack; claim to be sick or pregnant; tell them that a friend/spouse will be there shortly; or pretend to faint, act insane or mentally incapacitated
Active: Yelling; struggling and fighting back, use of martial arts-if you know them- and weapons such as chemical sprays, knives or guns. However, you need to be proficient in the use of the weaponary as ineffectual use can result in the weapon being used against you.
Remember, that if you are the victim of a sexual assault it is not your fault! Take a stand for yourself and the other victims and report the crime. You are worth it!!!! There are many organizations who are there to help you through the experience.
Keeping safe and alert-whether at home, work, school or just while out having fun- is important. Do all you can to protect yourself but don't beat yourself up if you are victimized. Yes, you need to do all you can to prevent becoming a victim, but you are not at fault if something happens. Take a stand against crime!