Reducing Individual Risk

Sexual violence is never the fault of the victim.

As with any violent crime, there’s nothing you can do to guarantee that you will not be a victim of sexual violence. But there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk of being assaulted.

Who are the Offenders?

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. Learn a well-lit route back to your place of residence and avoid putting headphones in both ears, especially if you are walking alone.
Try to avoid isolated areas and becoming isolated with someone you don't trust or someone you don't know well. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.

Walk with purpose. Even if you don't know where you are going, act like you do. Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn't the best place to be.
Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have resources to secure transportation if needed.

In a Social Situation

When you go to a party or out on the town, go with a group of friends and arrive together if you can. Make a plan with your friends about the evening including how everyone is getting home, before the evening begins, and check in with each other throughout the night.
Practice safe drinking. If someone offers to get you a drink from the bar at a club or party, go with them to the bar to order it, watch it being poured, and carry it yourself. Don't drink from punch bowls or other large, common open containers. Don't leave your drink unattended. Watch out for your friends, and vice versa.

Have a buddy system. Don't be afraid to let a friend know if something is making you uncomfortable or if you are worried about your or your friend's safety.
If someone you don't know or trust asks you to go somewhere alone, let him or her know that you would rather stay with the group.
Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way out of a bad situation.

While on a Date

Dates are a common practice, but especially on a first date or a blind date, many of the social situation suggestions also strongly apply. To be proactive about safety when meeting up in person alone with a potential partner, think ahead.
Tell a trusted friend or family member where you plan to go out, and consider sharing your phone location with them. Stick to the plan and make sure your phone is charged.
Take your essentials and keep them on your person.

Coordinate your own transportation, make sure you have someone available to pick you up, are able to call a cab, or have means to drive home safely on your own. Avoid relying on a new date to pick you up and drop you off. Have a backup plan just in case!
Drink safety is essential, keep your drink in your control at all times, don’t leave it unattended. Listen to your body and notice any unusual feelings or changes.

If You Are Being Pressured

Be true to yourself. Do what feels right to you and what you are comfortable with. Don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason.
Have a code word with your friends or family so that if you feel threatened you can call them and communicate your discomfort without the person you are with knowing.
Lie. If you don't want to hurt the person's feelings it is better to lie and make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse.

Online Safety

Be careful about the personal information you share. If you post details about your life, people may be able to figure out your full name, where you work or go to school, and even where you live. Use privacy settings on social media and blog sites so only people you trust can read your personal info.
If you decide to meet up with someone you meet online (assuming that you're of legal age), take sensible precautions. Take a friend with you, meet in a public place and make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
If you don't already use up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware programs in order to keep your computer safer, we recommend that you either buy or download a free program that will help to protect you and your computer.

If you have any reason to think that your computer may not be safe due to spyware, keystroke logging, viruses, or someone monitoring your computer usage in some other way, please consider using an alternate computer. If you can't borrow a friend's, you may be able to access a free computer at your local public library.
Avoid websites with which you are unfamiliar. If you feel uncomfortable, log off.

Travel Safety

Protecting your Child

Abusers will sometimes tell a child that the abuse is a secret. Talking openly and directly about abuse-related issues teaches children that it is okay to talk to you when they have questions.
Teach children that it is not ok to be touched if they do not want to be touched — whether it's by a stranger or someone they know or trust. Let children know that other people should not be touching them, and if such a situation does occur, the child should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.
Ask your child about the people they go to school with or play with; get to know the other parents and adults around your child.
Create a code word so that if your child feels uncomfortable for any reason, they can indicate discomfort or fear discreetly.

Role-play: Practice with your child about what to say and what to do in an uncomfortable situation. You may even try role-playing, so that they know what to do if they are uncomfortable.
Talk about the media. If your child watches a lot of television or plays video games, watch or play with them. Use examples from TV or games that you have watched or played together to start conversations about sexuality and sexual abuse.
Make time to spend with your child. If your child comes to you with concerns or questions, make time to talk to them.

Intervening to Help a Friend

If you see someone in danger of being assaulted, step in and offer assistance or create a diversion (ex. spill a drink, cut in on a dance, or interrupt the conversation) to make it easier for the prospective victim to walk away.
NOTE: Before stepping in, make sure to evaluate the risk. If it means putting yourself in danger, call 911 instead.
There is evidence that the mere presence of bystanders reduces crime and that criminals try to avoid being observed while committing crimes. If you are witnessing an uncomfortable situation, don't leave the room and keep your eyes indirectly on the interaction.

If you believe someone is dangerously intoxicated or has been drugged, do not leave them alone for any reason, get them immediate medical attention, and keep their beverage for drug testing.
If someone you know has been assaulted, listen, be there, encourage them to call local advocates at IAC for reporting options and resources, and let them know that professional help is available.
Become knowledgeable about the issue and share your knowledge with others. Let friends know what to look for in a potential offender and how to react if ever in a dangerous situation.

Survivors of sexual assault often blame themselves for behaving in a way that encouraged the perpetrator or for their inability to prevent the assault. It is important to remember that the survivor is never to blame for the actions of the perpetrator. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. We are available 24/7 to help you.

Safe Exit

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