The recent Stanford swimmer rape case reminds us that rape prevention needs to be on top of every woman’s mind. Almost one in 5 American women report having been raped at some point in their lives according to The Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov). Also, a study from www.D2L.org estimates that one in 10 American children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Let’s consider some tips for rape prevention.
Rape Prevention At Home:
- Walk up to your home’s entrance confidently with your keys in your hand.
- If someone calls or knocks on the door, never give the impression you are home alone.
- Keep your home’s doors and windows locked; especially if you are home alone.
- When you come home and observe any signs of forcible entry, do not go inside. Instead, get someplace safe and call the police.
- Should a stranger knock on your door and ask to use the phone, have them wait outside and lock the door while you make the call
Rape Prevention In Your Car:
- Remember to check your car (back seat) before entering.
- Always park your car in a well-lit, secured area. Be especially cautious in parking garages. Never get in a stranger’s car.
- Keep your car doors locked and never pick up hitchhikers.
- If you are being followed in your car, do not drive home. Instead, drive to the nearest police station.
- Do not walk closely to vans parked in lots. Walk to your car confidently, with your keys in your hand.
- If a car “bumps” you from behind, do not stop to exchange information. Instead, drive to the nearest, well-lit, populated area such as a service station.
Rape Prevention When Going Out:
- Make sure your cell phone is charged before going out.
- Be alert. Look around you to be aware of who and what’s around you. Don’t walk along staring at your shoes or your telephone.
- Trust your instincts. If you sense something is wrong, get out of there.
- On the street, walk facing traffic, at a steady pace. Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleyways.
- Keep anything you drink in your possession 100% of the time. Pace your alcohol consumption so you don’t lose control. Alternate rounds with soft drinks.
- Stick with your friends when possible. And don’t leave anyone behind.
- When on a date with somebody not well-known by you, stick to well-lit, populated venues. Let your family or friends know where, when, how, and with whom you are going. Always have enough money to be able to take a cab home.
Rape Prevention, Other:
- Be extremely careful with your personal information. Once you post something on social media, you lose all control over who ends up seeing it. Meeting someone in-person who you have met online can be very risky. So be extra cautious.
- Carry defensive weapons only if you know how to use them. Anything you have could be grabbed and used against you.
- Be assertive if you receive an unwanted advance. Make a lot of noise if he does not get the message. You can scream “call the police”, “call 911”, or even “fire” to get a bystander to call for help.
- Take a self-defense course. Consider becoming trained and licensed to carry a concealed weapon.
Unfortunately, rape is an everyday risk for women in America today. Therefore we all need to do our parts for rape prevention.