Most sexual assaults occur in the victim's home and the assailant is usually someone the victim knows.
Acquaintance Rape
Sexual assault by strangers occurs less often than sexual assault by acquaintances. We naturally treat strangers with caution; we are much less likely to trust them and allow ourselves to be isolated with them. A good rule to follow is to treat everyone as you would a stranger until trust is earned.
Here are some basic preventative strategies that women should exercise to make themselves less vulnerable to sexual assault while dating.
- Know your date.
- If you don't know him well, stay in public, populated areas.
- Tell someone you trust where you are going and when you expect to return. Make this obvious to your date.
- You do not have to accept unwanted sexual attention. You have the right to set your own limits and change these limits over time or with different people.
- Communicate clearly what you want and what your limits are.
- Be assertive. Act immediately when something happens that you do not like.
- Trust your feelings. If you feel pressured or uneasy, examine the relationship closely.
- Be aware of anyone who is domineering or manipulative, who attempts to impose his will on you, or who shows a lack of respect for your feelings.
- Limit your use of alcohol and drugs. They reduce your ability to think clearly and make sound decisions.
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« this page last modified 06/16/04 »
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