Prevention programs cannot guarantee that you will never experience sexual assault.  However, you can most certainly reduce you risk by learning the facts about sexual assault through written prevention materials and educational programs.

“ Rape counselors and women who have been raped by acquaintances recommend that you run, not walk, from any man who displays any of these characteristics”:

• Emotional abuse (insults, uses belittling comments, ignores other opinions)
• Wants to control many elements of another’s life (how to dress, who friends should be, which movie to see to restaurant to eat at)
• Negative talk about women in general
• Jealousy for no reason
• Heavy drinking, drug use, or attempts at intoxicating others
• Agitation with one’s decision to not get drunk, have sex or accompany him to his room or apartment
• Refuses and gets angry about sharing the expenses of a date
• Uses physical violence, including grabbing or pushing
• Intimidation patterns (sitting too close, blocking your way with his body, speaking like he knows you better than he does, touching you without permission)
• Anger when unable to handle sexual and emotional frustration
• Displays of being smarter or socially superior than others
• A fascination with weapons
• Cruelty exhibited to animals, children or people he can bully

Individually they may not be significant but as part of a pattern or behavior these are considered warning signs of a potentially abusive person.

Tips On Risk Reduction:

• Let your friends know where you will be an when you expect to return
• Consider being with a group if you are dating someone for the first time.  Go out in-groups several times before agreeing to go alone with someone.
• Use assertive communication.  Don’t rely on boy language an hope your date gets the message
• If you say “no” and your date won’t listen, it is OK to be rude.  Yell, scream, run or whatever is necessary to maintain your safety.
• Have an alternative plan for transportation home. Have enough money for a cab or bus if necessary.
• Remember that accepting rides from someone you just met can be dangerous
• It is difficult to recognize the stages of sexual assault when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  May miss an important “warning bell”
• Avoid leaving your drinks unattended at partied, social gatherings and at dinner.  This will eliminate the opportunity for an offender to contaminate your rink with any easily accessible date rape drugs such as Rohypnol.