Date and Acquaintance rape

One of the most popular myths is that strangers who are lurking in the bushes somewhere commit rapes. While these rapes do occur, most rapes are committed by acquaintances, someone you know, perhaps a boyfriend, friend, husband, or relative. Almost half of all rapes occur in the victim's home or room.

Many times a woman will not want to confront her assailant, for fear of losing a job, getting a bad grade or losing respect within the community. Women sometimes look towards themselves, asking what they did wrong, therefore shifting the blame away from where it really should be.

The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of your surroundings and the people that you're with. Don't ignore feelings of uneasiness you may feel around a certain man, and don't worry about being rude or unfriendly. If someone is making you uncomfortable, don't let them intimidate you, and don't be afraid to let them know what your limits are. Keep in mind that whether you know the man, if it is a friend, if they assault you, it is rape and it can be reported.

Some steps to be taken in preventing date rape are:

• If you live alone, only use your first initial and your last name on your mailbox.
• There is safety in numbers, travel in groups whenever possible.
  
• Take a self-defense course for women and learn how to resist an assailant.
  
• Keep in mind that any date can turn into a date rape.
  
• Know the name of the men that you date, and be reserved on the first day. Perhaps offer to pay for yourself so that you don't 'owe' anything.
  
• If you're going home with a man that you don't know very well, make sure that someone else knows, and let the man know this as well.
  
• If you begin to feel uncomfortable let him know right away that he's gone too far. Look for a way to leave.
  
• Never feel that you have to give in to sexual intercourse. If you feel pressure, leave.
  
• If you know you are going to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol be cautious.
  

Preventing Rape

If you are in immediate danger of being raped, here are some things that you can do.

• Make a loud noise - Carry a whistle or scream "police" to attract attention
  
• Run - Only run if there is somewhere safe to run to. If there is no where to go you may aggravate the assailant further by running
  
• Stall - Speak calmly and rationally. Try not to plead, cry or show that you're scared, this may be the reaction that he's going for.
  
• Vomit - Do anything you can to repulse the assailant. Tell him that you have a STD or AIDS.
  
• Fight - Women who resist attacks and act quickly are less likely to be raped, than those who are passive. The optimum time to react is in the first 20 seconds when the body releases chemicals in the blood that help to put up a fight. Be cautious if he has a weapon.
  
• Keep alert - Even though it will be difficult, try to pay attention to as many details as possible, so that you can identify your assailant.
  
• Get help - Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Police are becoming more willing to help victims of rape. You are not obligated to press charges or go to court.
  
• Collect evidence - Do not bathe, shower, or douche. If you change clothes, put the clothes you were raped in into a bag and seal it.
  
• Tell someone - Call the police, rape crisis counselor, telephone operator, friend. It is very important that someone knows and that it is not kept a secret.
  
• Take a class of self-defense from a martial arts school; this will give you the confidence to walk the streets.

Rape is a violent crime, an invasion, and a frightening experience. Rape affects all women, no matter what their age, race or economic status. All women are potential victims of sexual assault. By being aware, a woman can reduce the likelihood of becoming a rape victim. This does not mean all rapes can be prevented. Rapists commit rape -- NOT VICTIMS.

Psychological Preparedness

• Accept the fact that you are a potential rape victim. Many women operate under the illusion "it will never happen to me." It may.
  
• Educate yourself concerning rape prevention tactics.
  
• Become familiar with community rape prevention and counseling.
  
• Become aware of locations and situations where rape is more likely to occur and avoid them, or take precautions.
  
• Rape is the fastest rising violent crime in America. What can you do to prevent this crime?
  
  

Safety at your residence

• When moving into a new home or apartment makes sure the locks are replaced or rekeyed. It is recommended that a 1" deadbolt lock us used. It is also recommended that if there is no door viewer to have one put in. "DO
• NOT OPEN THE DOOR UNLESS YOU KNOW WHO IS THERE."
  
• Keep doors locked at all times.
  
• Never open the door after a knock. Require the person to give their name. In the case of service persons ask for proper I.D. and refuse entrance if you feel uneasy.
  
• If you feel threatened yell or scream to attract attention.
  
• Never admit you are alone.
  
• If you are living alone use only you Last Name and First Initial on your mailbox. You may also want to make a name up and put it on your mailbox to give the appearance of a roommate.
  
• All entrances and garages should be well lit.
  
• Keep one light on inside the house at night.
  
• Hang up on any obscene phone calls.
  

On the Street safety tips

• Do not walk alone.
  
• Always stay in well-lighted areas.
  
• Do not take short cuts where you would be in a deserted area.
  
• Walk near the curb and avoid passing close to shrubbery, dark doorways and other places of concealment.
  
• Do not hitchhike.
  
• If someone in a car ask for assistance do not get close to the car.
  
• If a car approaches you and you feel threatened, scream and run in the direction opposite of the one the car is going.
  
• If you feel you are being followed go to the nearest open business, police department, fire department, or any area where other people will be. Call the Police from there.
  
• If you carry a purse, hold it close to your body.
  Have your key ready to enter your residence or car.
  
  

Driving safety tips

• Never pick up hitchhikers.
  
• Always keep your car doors locked.
  
• When parking at night, select a place that will be well lit when returning to the car.
  
• Look in back seat and floor board before entering your car.
  
• When approaching your car in a parking lot look all around the area for anything that does not look right. If you see anything that looks suspicious near your car keep going and call the Police as soon as possible. If you can get in your car safely, lock the doors and go somewhere and contact the Police about your suspicions.
  
• Keep gas above 1/4 tank.
  
• When ever-possible travel on well lighted streets.
  
• If you are ever being followed go to the nearest police department, fire department, or open business. If vehicle pulls in behind you and you do not know the individual blow the car horn to attract attention. DO NOT GET OUT OF CAR UNTIL YOU ARE SAFE.
  
• If your car is being repaired leave only the car keys with the repair shop.
  
• If you are having car problems and cannot raise the hood, stay in the car and wait for help. If someone stops to help, roll down the window just enough to talk to them and ask them to call a relative, friend, garage or the police for you.
  

There are several ways to react to a sexual assault...

The best resistance you can use against an attacker is your common sense. Think! Don't panic. The most important element to remember is that you are not trying to fight the attacker, but are attempting to divert the person long enough to get away. Always look for a way to escape. If the attacker has a weapon, use your common sense.
Break away and run toward areas with people. Be observant so that you will be able to remember and identify the assailant.

1. Passive Resistance

The goal of passive resistance is to think and talk your way out of the situation. With passive resistance, you can

• Try to calm the attacker. Try to persuade him not to carry out the attack.
  
• Claim to be sick or pregnant. Tell him you have a sexually transmitted disease. This may intimidate the attacker.
  
• Try to discourage him. Pretend to faint, cry hysterically, and act insane or mentally incapacitated.
  
• If you're at your residence, tell the attacker a friend is coming over or that your spouse or roommate will be back soon.
  

2. Active Resistance

Active resistance is intended to distract or temporarily injure your attacker to create an opportunity for escape. Nobody can tell you whether or not active resistance will be the "right" thing to do. A decision to resist actively, however, is irreversible. Your goal is to escape, not to win. Here are some pros and cons regarding the most common types of active resistance:

YELLING - If the attacker is unarmed, you may be able to scare, distract or injure the person enough to make your escape.

• A yell can surprise or frighten an attacker away if he fears people will come to help. But yelling won't help in isolated or noisy areas.
  
• Scream, "FIRE," "POLICE," or create a disturbance that will attract attention.

STRUGGLING and FIGHTING BACK

A forceful struggle may also discourage an attacker, but most will retaliate and have the potential to inflict serious injuries. However, you must not be afraid to hurt an attacker. All kicks and blows must be forceful and should be aimed at vulnerable areas such as the groin, eyes, or instep.

MARTIAL ARTS

• Special self-defense skills such as kung fu are popular. If you are proficient in such techniques, they can be very effective. But proficiency requires practice.

WEAPONS

• Some people carry weapons such as guns, knives, or spray chemicals to ward off attackers. Unless you are trained and not afraid to use these weapons, they can be very dangerous. The attacker might be able to turn them against you. Also, some weapons cannot legally be carried, so check with local law enforcement authorities.
  

Submitting to an Attack

• If you believe you might get hurt defending yourself or if you're afraid to fight back, don't. Sexual assault is still an assault and still a crime, even if you do not have a single cut or bruise. Victims who do not resist should never feel guilty; it is the assailant who committed the crime.
  
• If attacked, escape
  
• If trapped, stay alive
  
• If assaulted, memorize details
  

If you are raped.

• Call the Police Department Immediately.

Information needed by the police to catch and convict a rapist.

• Type of car used by the rapist (license, make or model and color)
  
• Race
  
• Age, weight and height
  
• Hair color and length
  
• Color of eyes
  
• Clothing
  
• Any unusual marks, scars, tattoos, rings, etc.
  
• Any facial hair
  
• Type of accent
  
• Any strange or distinctive odor
  
• Last direction of travel