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According the the United States Justice Department, Bureau
of Justice Statistics, there were 261,000 rapes and sexual assaults
reported in 2000. There are no perfect answers or golden rule
techniques for preventing a sexual assault once confronted by
someone who intends to cause physical harm. These are tips to
be used as a last resort in many cases. Most often, the victim
has to make split second decisions, usually without time to
contemplate something she read on a website weeks, months or
even years before. The choice of whether to physically resist
is your decision only. There is no way to predict an attacker's
reaction.
However, you may reflect on these prevention tips and incorporate
them into
your personal safety plan in advance of situations commonly
encountered.
- Be alert at all times and trust your immediate instincts.
Show confidence and purpose. Surprise and fear are two weapons
your assailant relies upon the most. Awareness of your surroundings
at all times will help you defeat these weapons.
- Be acutely aware of your surroundings and don't let alcohol
affect your otherwise good judgment.
If you have been attacked...
- If you are attacked, you have little time to assess whether
you should fight back or resist. You have to evaluate three
main factors to help determine your course of action:
- The environment - Are you isolated or are people
nearby?
- Your Physical Ability - How capable are you
of physically resisting? Do you have the ability to
cause harm to your assailant or at least to break from
his grasp?
- Your attacker's motivation and abilities -
Is your attacker excessively large or strong? Does he
have an accomplice or does he seem extremely violent?
- If these factors weigh in favor of resistance, SCREAM,
try to escape, be vile, aggressive and violent. If you decide
to take this drastic step, you must do so quickly and act
with vigor. Attack the eyes or groin with anything you can
find to use as a weapon, whether it is your fists, feet,
backpack, purse, keys or any other item that can inflict
injury upon your attacker. If you have the chance, run.
Run towards lighted houses, crowds or streets with traffic.
- If these factors weigh against resistance or your attacker
has a weapon, you may have little choice but to submit to
his demands. Your first goal is your immediate survival.
Do everything you can to stall for time. Each situation
is different. Try to dissuade your attacker from continuing.
Tell him you are menstruating. Urinate, vomit or do anything
you can think of to discourage the attacker.
- By choosing not to resist, you are in NO WAY consenting.
You are doing what is necessary to survive. Even if you
do not resist immediately, constantly be aware of your opportunity
for escape or resistance throughout the attack.
If you have been victimized…
- Report the crime immediately to give law enforcement
officials the best chance of apprehending your attacker.
- As degrading as it may be, preserve the evidence. Do not
alter the crime scene in any way. Don't shower, bathe or
douche. Do not change clothes. Ask a trusted friend or family
member to accompany you to the hospital for initial treatment
and for the administration of a medical exam to preserve
DNA evidence and to document injuries. The examination and
evidence preservation often seems as emotionally difficult
as the sexual attack itself, yet it is essential to the
apprehension of your attacker. The police department typically
covers the cost of the examination if done in furtherance
of the investigation.
- Bring a change of clothes to the hospital.
- Write down the details of the attack as soon as possible:
exact phrases or expressions the attacker used, speech impediments,
smells, height, weight, etc.
- Ask for referrals to reputable rape crisis assistance
centers or victim advocacy agencies that can help you understand
victimology and assist you in regaining your life.
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