subject: Protect Yourself From Rape - Tips To Stay Safe [print this page] It's estimated that up to 1 in 3 women will be raped at some point in their lifetime. Most of these are acquaintance rapes, with 77% of assault being committed by someone the victim knows, while a few will be random crimes committed by a stranger. To prevent becoming a victim yourself, and to help educate the other women in your life about how they can also prevent this from happening, it's a good idea to learn a little more about how to protect yourself from rape. Your home is one of the first areas to take care of and make safe. Putting a peephole in your door and a security alarm in place will alert you to strangers or intruders.
When you are walking out in public, be alert to protect yourself from rape. Attackers are looking for potential victims who look like they won't be too much trouble. If you have headphones in, are talking on your cell phone, or appear otherwise distracted, you could be an easier target than if you walk purposefully, with confidence, and make eye contact with passersby. Never walk alone though areas that are dark or deserted, even if it is a shortcut home. Stay in well-lit areas with plenty of other people.
Stay near the cub, rather than walking next to shrubbery or other places where people could hide.
Carrying some items for personal protection can also be a good idea. Pepper spray, personal alarms, or other small concealed weapons may be necessary to protect yourself from rape. Screaming for help is also a good idea, in case there is anyone around who can help you. If someone is following you in a car, go into any public area, and call the police. The same holds true before you get into your car in the first place. Sometimes attackers will hide inside the vehicle or under it. Survey the automobile, and if anything seems amiss, back away and go into a public area.
Experts also recommend that you always have a cell phone on your person, even at home, to protect yourself from rape. If an intruder enters the home, he may cut the phone lines, and you need to call for help. It's better to make a call to the police based on a suspicion, rather than waiting for your fears to be proven correct. With a little bit of vigilance and heightened awareness, you can lessen your chances of being raped.
