Risk Reduction
Risk reduction techniques are steps people can take to reduce their risk of sexual assault and increase their safety. Some simple safety techniques can increase a persons safety and their sense of empowerment. None of these guarantee rape prevention – there is no perfect guarantee against rape except for perpetrators to stop raping.
These risk reduction and safety ideas are a choice, not a responsibility. Whether or not someone chooses to use these ideas, sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. We have a right to be in the world without having people hurt us.
- Trust your gut and intuition. If you feel uncomfortable or feel at risk, leave the situation immediately and go to a safe place.
- Avoid people who don’t listen to you, ignore personal space boundaries, make you feel guilty or accuse you of being “uptight” for resisting sexual advances, express sexist attitudes and jokes, or act jealous and possessive.
- Know your sexual intentions and limits. Think about what you really want before you get into a sexual situation, and communicate clearly with your partner. If you are unsure what you want, tell your partner you are confused and need some time to figure out what you want.
- Communicate your limits firmly and directly. You have the right to say “No” to any unwanted sexual contact. If you say “No,” say it like you mean it. Back up your words with a firm tone of voice and clear body language.
- Don’t be afraid to “make waves” if you feel threatened. If you feel you are being pressured or coerced into sexual activity against your will, don’t hesitate to state your feelings and get out of the situation.
- Attend large parties with friends you can trust. Agree to “look out” for one another. Try to leave with a group, rather than alone or with someone you don’t know very well.
- Avoid mixing sexual decisions with drugs and alcohol. Your ability to make smart decisions is hampered when you are high or drunk. Be especially careful to communicate your limits and intentions clearly in such situations.
- Be aware of predatory drugs. Don’t leave your drink unattended, don’t take any beverages from someone you do not know well and trust and don’t accept open-container drinks from anyone. Rape Drugs
Most important, remember that whether someone follows these tips or not, if someone is sexually assaulted, it is not his or her fault. The victim is never to blame.
When No Doesn’t Work
Sometimes, saying “no” will not stop a rape. Listed below are several ways you can react to a sexual violence situation. Thinking about what you would do before an assault ever happens can be your best self-defense strategy.
- Act immediately. Trust your intuition and get away, if possible. Don’t give in to a person’s sexual demands in the hope that you can divert him or her later on.
- Stay calm. Try to think clearly about all your options. Your brain is your best weapon.
- Passive resistance. You may be able to discourage the attacker by talking. Persuade him or her not to commit the assault by making him or her see you as a friend.
- Active resistance. If you are not afraid to hurt someone, hit and kick hard – this gives you the opportunity to escape. However, fighting back may anger the attacker and cause a more brutal attack. Self-defense training can make you more confident and improve your physical strength. Training is effective, but takes continuous practice. It is not a substitute for common sense and awareness.
- Submitting. Do whatever you have to do to keep yourself safe. If you feel your life is in danger, your best option may be to submit. Submitting does not mean you consented.
(Sources: Rape Treatment Center Santa Monica Hosiptal Medical Center Risk Reduction Handout; PCAR Risk Reduction Brochure)
