How to Reduce Your Risk of Becoming a Victim

Although no one is immune to becoming a victim of sexual assault, there are prevention techniques that people can use to reduce their risk.

Communicate clearly. When you are out on a date, let your partner know what your boundaries and expectations are.
Avoid using drugs and/or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs are involved in many sexual assaults by the perpetrator and/or victim. When someone is under the influence of a substance, they are not always as cautious as they would be normally.
Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid isolated and dark areas. It is a good idea to meet your date in a public place.
Avoid being alone with your date in your own home, their home or home of another individual.
Have your own transportation. This way you do not have to rely on your date getting you home. Also, if you start feeling uncomfortable, you now have a way of getting to a safe place.
Carry a cell phone. This may not always be an option but you should always let someone know where you are going, who you are going with and when you expect to return.
Be aware of your date’s actions. If your date is saying or doing things that are disrespectful to you or others, this may indicate that they might not be respectful at the end of the night either.
Be aware of nonverbal actions that may send mixed messages. You want to make sure your date knows what your limits and boundaries are.
Date in groups. Keep an eye out for each other.
Make a plan of prevention with your friends. Talk about what you would do in certain situations. Come up with code words that let your friends know you are in trouble or feeling uncomfortable in a situation.
Trust your intuition. If your gut is telling you something is wrong, there is probably something wrong with the situation you are in.
Do not be worried about being polite. If you are feeling uncomfortable, let your date know and leave the situation. Do not be worried that you will hurt their feelings.
Make a scene. If your date does not let you leave, draw attention to yourself so someone can help you.

* It is NEVER a victims fault. No one asks to be assaulted. For more on how to reduce your risk of becoming a victim, call Advocates of Ozaukee at 1-877-375-4034.