Reducing Your Risk


What Can Men Do? Print E-mail

While individuals of both genders are perpetrators of sexual assault, the majority of those

who commit sexual assaults are men. Even so, it is important to remember that the vast majority of men are not rapists.

 

There are many things men (and women) can do to help prevent sexual violence.


If you see someone in danger of being assaulted:


* Step in and offer assistance. Ask if the person needs help. NOTE: Before stepping in, make sure to evaluate the risk. If it means putting yourself in danger,call 911 instead.
* Don’t leave. If you remain at the scene and are a witness, the perpetrator is less likely to do anything.
* If you know the perpetrator, tell him or her that you do not approve of what s/he is doing. Ask him or her to leave the potential victim alone.

 

Be an ally:

 

* When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other frequently and leave together.
* Have a buddy system. Don’t be afraid to let a friend know if you are worried about her/his safety.
* If you see someone who is intoxicated, offer to call him or her a cab.

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If Someone Is Pressuring You Print E-mail

If you need to get out of an uncomfortable or scary situation here are some things that you can try:


  1. Remember that being in this situation is not your fault. You did not do anything wrong, it is the person who is making you uncomfortable that is to blame.
  2. Be true to yourself. Don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to do. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason. Do what feels right to you and what you are comfortable with.
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In A Social Situation Print E-mail

While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted in social situations.

  1. When you go to a social gathering, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other throughout the evening, and leave together. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way out of a bad situation.
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How Can I Protect My Child From Sexual Assault? Print E-mail

Parents are surrounded by messages about child sexual abuse. Talk shows and TV news warn parents about dangers at school, in the home and on the Internet. Despite all the media coverage, parents don’t get much advice about how to talk to their children about sexual abuse and how to prevent it.

 

Talk to your children about sexuality and sexual abuse in age-appropriate terms.

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Safety Planning Print E-mail

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or is in an abusive relationship, there are things to consider when thinking about safety. It may be helpful to create a safety plan or to think about some ways to stay and feel safer. Depending on where you live, there may be unique circumstances to think about. The following information is divided up into rural, suburban and urban, and college campus safety tips.

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Avoiding Dangerous Situations Print E-mail

While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted.

 

  1. Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
  2. Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
  3. Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
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1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed rape; 2.8% attempted rape)


This project was supported by Grant No. 2010-WR-AX-0025 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice.  The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

 

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