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WHO
IS AT RISK
You are! Sexual violence
can happen to anyone-regardless of gender, race, age, socio-economic
status, or religion.
It is a common misconception
that most sexual assaults are committed by strangers. You are more
likely to be sexually assaulted by someone you know-a friend, date,
classmate, neighbor, relative-than by a stranger in a dark alley.
Nearly 7 in 10 (or 70%) rape and sexual assault victims knew
their attacker.
Rennison, Callie, “Criminal Victimization 1999: Changes 1998-99
with Trends 1993-99”, Bureau of Justice Statistics, US Department
of Justice, August 2000.
RISK
FACTORS
Drugs and Alcohol: Drugs
and alcohol are the number one factor that leads to non-stranger
(date/acquaintance) rape. Many victims say that their ability to
react was impaired because they were drinking or taking drugs, or
that their date had been drinking and became sexually aggressive.
Drinking offenders committed over a third of the rapes or sexual
assaults of persons older than 12.
Greenfeld,
Lawrence. “Alcohol and Crime: An Analysis of National
Data on the Prevalence of Alcohol Involvement in Crime.” Prepared
for the Assistant Attorney General’s National Symposium
on Alcohol Abuse and Crime. U.S. Department of Justice, April
1998.
 Different Expectations:
Acquaintance rape often occurs as a result of misunderstood sex
role behaviors and/or communication styles. Don't assume that one
form of sexual contact opens the door to other sexual contacts.
Also, communicate your sexual expectations with your partner. If
you think you are getting mixed messages, ask.
Believing No Means Yes:
People who regard sex as "scoring" often believe "no"
can be changed to "yes" with a little more pressure or
force. Acquaintance rape often masquerades as seduction, with the
perpetrators rarely feeling they have done anything wrong. They
believe that pressure is a legitimate way to get what they want.
RISK
REDUCTION
Although sexual violence
can never be prevented, here are some suggestions to help you reduce
your risk of being assaulted.
- Trust your gut. If
you don't feel comfortable in a situation, leave.
- Be in charge of your
own life. Don't put yourself in a situation where you have to
rely on other people to take care of you. Also, when on a date,
don't feel you "owe" that person anything.
- Be cautious inviting
someone into your home or going to someone else's home. Three
out of 5 sexual assaults occur in the victim's home or the home
of an acquaintance.
- Do not mix sexual
decisions with drugs and alcohol. Your ability to make smart decisions
is hampered when you are drunk or high.
- When going out with
someone new, don't feel you have to go alone. Go on a group date
or meet in a public place.
- Be aware of date rape
drugs. Don't accept beverages from open containers and don't leave
your drink unattended.
- Avoid falling for
lines such as "If you loved me." If your partner loved
you, he/she would respect your feelings and wait until you are
ready.
- Avoid individuals
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 sexists
attitudes and jokes
- act jealous or
possessive
- Communicate. Think
about what you really want before you get into a sexual situation,
and communicate clearly with your partner. If you think you are
getting mixed messages, ask your date what he/she wants.
- Be assertive. Respect
yourself enough not to do anything you don't want to do. Your
opinions matter, and when you say "no," your date should
stop.
WHEN
"NO" DOESN'T WORK
Sometimes, saying "no"
will not stop a rape. Listed below are several ways you can react
in a sexually violent 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/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/her not to commit the assault by making him/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 him/her to attack more brutally.
Self-defense training can make you more confident and improve
your physical strength. Training is effective, but it 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. The assault is not your fault.
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