Risk Reduction

           Only a perpetrator can prevent sexual violence.
                           A victim is never at fault.

There are ways you can REDUCE your RISK and be more AWARE of vulnerabilities.
 

Learn More About Avoiding Dangerous Situations


While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted. Click here for more on Living Aware.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
• Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
• Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
• Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
• Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
• Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.
• Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.

Safety Planning

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or is in an abusive relationship, there are things to consider when thinking about safety.

Click here to view STAR's simple Safety Planning handout
or,
Click here to learn more about Safety Planning from RAINN.



How can I protect my child from sexual assault?

While there is no sure-fire way to protect your child from all dangers, there are some steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of a sexual assault. Click here to learn more from RAINN about how to protect your children.


In a Social Situation

Here are some tips to help reduce your risk of being assaulted in social situations.
If Someone is Pressuring You

If someone is pressuring you, it is important to remember that being in this situation is not your fault...here are some things that you can try.


What can Men Do?

The majority of those who commit sexual assaults are men.  Even so, it is important to remember that the vast majority of men are not rapists.Here are some suggestions from RAINN of how men can help prevent violence.