How do I reduce my risk for assault?
·
Think
about the level of intimacy that you desire with someone and lay out
clear limits early.
·
Examine
your feelings about sex and know where your boundaries are.
Then it is less likely that you will be swept away at some moment
later in time.
·
Set
sexual limits. Stick to
these limits and remember that no one can tell you where your limits
are. This is a decision
that you have to make and do not let anyone change these decisions or
force you to go further than you want to.
· Don't give mixed signals. Be very clear about what you do and do not want. State your desires clearly. Instead of saying "I don't think so", say "NO! I don't want to do this".
· Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Stay near other people for safety.
· Do not do anything you do not want to in order to avoid unpleasantness. If a man does not respect your feelings and boundaries, then he is someone you do not want to become intimate with anyway.
·
Avoid
secluded areas and be careful when you invite someone into your home or
go into theirs.
·
Don't
get into a situation where you are alone with someone who you do not
know or trust.
·
Be
aware that alcohol and drugs are related to rape and be extra careful in
situations that contain these substances.
· Don't leave your beverage unattended or accept an open container, since Roofies could be slipped into them.
·
If
you are going out with a friend, stay with a group of people, arrive
together and leave together and watch out for one another while you are
out.
·
Trust
your instincts.
·
If
things begin to get out of control, do not be afraid to just leave.
·
Have
your own transportation (if possible) or at least enough money for a
taxi.
· And lastly, know yourself. If you don't feel that you can trust yourself in certain situations, don't let yourself get into them. Know your values and attitudes about power, sex, and love. Avoid falling for lines such as, "But I love you". And if you know that you do fall for these lines, make sure that you do not put yourself in a situation without an easy escape.