Risk Reduction
- Communicate clearly; state your sexual desires and limits.
- Listen carefully to what your date/partner is saying. Remember no means no, always.
- Ask for clarification if you are getting mixed messages. Don’t guess about what your partner may or may not want.
- Be prepared to clarify any misperceptions based on gestures, postures, tone of voice, or style of dress.
- Limit your use of alcohol. Know your limits and stick to them. Use of alcohol increases your chance of being victimized and makes it more difficult to avoid or escape an assault.
- Know that having sex with someone who is drunk is sexual assault/rape.
- Be aware of “date rape drugs”. Do not leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from someone you do not know.
- Go out in groups and come home in groups. Do not leave friends behind.
- Use a “sober buddy system”; agree that one person will stay sober and watch out for others.
- Stay in public places; do not wander off with someone you have just met.
- Trust your feelings. If you feel threatened, intimidated or afraid, get out of the situation. Put your safety first, do not be concerned with what others may think of you.
- If someone tries to force you to do something you do not want to do, actively resist – hit, kick, scream, run away. Actively resisting greatly reduces the chance of your being sexually assaulted.
- Pay attention to criticism, humiliation, loss of temper, threats, and any controlling or possessive behavior. These characteristics are often associated with violence in a relationship.
- Walk in well-traveled and well lit pathways.
- Make use of available public transportation (Redbird Express & Nite Ride) – available free of charge to students with a student ID.
- Do not remain silent and look the other way. Become an “active bystander”; confront friends who are becoming disrespectful or abusive; intervene if a friend is making a bad decision to put themselves in a high risk situation.
- Speak out. Don’t allow others to make jokes about rape, or derogatory comments which condone violence
- Support friends, family members and partners who have been assaulted. Let them know it was not their fault and encourage them to follow up with available resources. Contact the Sexual Assault Prevention and Survivor Services Coordinator at 438-7948 or 438-2778.
If You Are Sexually Assaulted
Survivor Services
How to Help a Friend
Rape Prevention for Nice Guys
Important Sexual Assault Links
