Sexual Awareness

Look for danger signals in a dating relationship.  If your partner restricts your activities, isolates you from friends, and displays jealous behavior, he or she may eventually rape and/or beat you

If you see a friend in a situation that doesn’t feel quite right, create a distraction to get your friend to safety. This can be as simple as joining or redirecting the conversation: suggest to your friend that you leave the party, or ask them to walk you home.

Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do. Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable. Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.

The Circleof6 app. There are many such apps that can set off an alarm, alert your friends that you need help, or help your family keep track of when you’re home safe.

Try putting up a fight if the attacker approaches you empty-handed. 9 out of 10 rapists had no more natural defense than you likely do(unarmed). If you show them you won't go down without a fight, you could scare them off. Try pinching them where it hurts. If an attacker wraps their arms around you or is close enough to touch, first try to pinch them in one of two places: inside the upper arm (between the elbow and the armpit) or the upper inner thigh. Pinch hard; pinch like your life depends on it (because it could!)

◦Loudly scream, "Help!" or "Fire!". Do not yell out, "Rape!" or "I'm being attacked!". The reason behind this is called the bystander effect, which is a social psychological phenomenon in which bystanders are aware and witnessing an emergency situation but don't offer help. During a rape, bystanders may not help for fear of getting attacked themselves.

Of course, before accusing someone of raping you in this way, you should look really hard at your own choices. Don’t use a serious matter as a cop-out for decision you know you made just because you regret it. Don't make assumptions about a person's behavior.  Don't automatically assume a person wants to have sex just because s/he drinks heavily, dresses provocatively, or agrees to go back to your room.  

Know that you have the right and power to say "No" and the right and power to defend yourself against someone who won't listen to you.  If you say "No", say it firmly and directly. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE