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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.