| Tips
for Sexual Assault Prevention |
Rape
is a violent crime and a frightening experience. Rape affects all
women, no matter what their age, race or economic status. It must
also be remembered that men are not immune and can also be victims
of sexual violence. Rape can occur anywhere and at anytime, in public
or in your own home. Rapists are not necessarily strangers. In fact,
in many reported cases, the rapist is an acquaintance, neighbor,
friend, or relative.
The
Fort Worth Police Department S.C.R.A.M. (Sex Crimes, Registration,
Apprehension, and Monitoring) Unit personnel are available to talk
to groups on "Personal Situational Awareness Training."
The training lasts about 2 hours; however, the program can be adjusted
to meet the needs of your organization. Topics include: recognizing
and acting upon your intuition to reduce the risk of being a victim
of a violent assault, who is a predator or attacker--myth vs reality,
signals to watch for when encountering a stranger or meeting a new
acquaintance, dating relationships--warning signals and potential
dangers, risk factors that may increase the chances of a violent
personal assault, and drug/alcohol facilitated sexual assaults.
For more information, visit their website at www.psafw.com
Trust
your instincts. If a situation makes you uncomfortable or uneasy,
leave.
• Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Walk confidently and with a steady pace. A rapist often
looks for someone who appears vulnerable.
• Always let someone know where you are and where you may
be going.
If you are attacked:
• The best prevention and resistance you can use against a
rapist is your common sense.
• Think, don’t panic. There is no single action to take
if you are attacked. Your best defense is to be prepared and know
your options and capabilities.
• Do whatever it takes to survive. Remember, you are the victim.
You have nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about. Rapists commit
the crime, not the victim.
•
Install effective locks on all doors and windows and be sure to
use them. Never leave your door unlocked, even for a moment.
• Install a peephole viewer in your door and never open your
door without knowing who is on the other side.
• When moving into a new home or apartment, make sure the
locks are replaced or rekeyed.
• If you live in an apartment, avoid being in the laundry
room or garage by yourself, especially at night.
• If you live alone, use only your last name and first initial
on your mail box and in telephone directories.
• Don’t let strangers into your home-no matter what
the reason or emergency. Offer to make an emergency phone call while
they wait outside.
• If you come home and find a door or window open or signs
of forced entry, DON’T GO IN!
• Never mention that you, a friend, or a neighbor lives alone
or is at home alone. In public or on a cell phone, don’t broadcast
your plans so strangers can overhear.
• Keep entrances well lit. It is not uncommon for a criminal
to remove, unscrew, or break bulbs in entryways.
• Always have your door key ready so you can enter your home
without delay.
• When friends or family drop you off at home or work, have
them wait until you are safely inside before leaving and do the
same for your friends and family.
•
Keep your car in good working order and the gas tank at least half
full.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• Have your car keys in your hand and check the back seat
area before entering your car. Notice under the car as you walk
up to it.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place
or to a open police or fire station.
• Lock your car door immediately after entering the car.
• If your car is being repaired, leave only your car keys
with the repair shop.
• When approaching your car look all around the area. If you
see anything suspicious, keep going and call the police.
• If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers, open the
hood, and wait inside the car with your doors locked. If someone
stops, stay in your car , roll down your window slightly and ask
them to call the police, a garage, or a tow service for you.
• Don’t hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
• If a driver stops to ask directions, avoid getting near
the car. Never let someone get you in their car—run, yell,
attract attention.
• If you are harassed by the occupants of a car, turn and
walk the other way direction.
• Avoid walking alone at night and avoid doorways, bushes,
and alleys.
Dating
and Date Rape Drugs
|
Date
Rape is forced or coerced sex. Tactics used can either be physical
or emotional. Drugs may be used to render the victim unconscious
and limit memory. The most common drug is Alcohol, with others being
Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine which are odorless and tasteless. The
use of any drug makes it harder to resist sexual assault or to think
clearly in a potentially dangerous situation.
• Have an idea of where you are going and be suspicious of
sudden changes to the plan. Let someone know where you are going.
• Do suggest going on a group date if you feel uncomfortable
about going alone or drive your own car and ask to meet your date
in a public place.
• Keep spare money, calling cards, or a cell phone handy for
immediate access if you decide to cut the date short and need transportation.
• Stay sober while on a date. Remember, alcohol impairs judgment
and memory.
• Don’t accept drinks from other people, except someone
you trust.
• Open containers yourself.
• Never leave your drink unattended. Take it with you, even
to the bathroom.
• Don’t share drinks.
• If you feel sick or dizzy while out socially, go to someone
you trust or call someone to come pick you up. Never leave alone
or with someone you do not trust with your life.
FWPD S.C.R.A.M.
Unit
(Sex Crimes, Registration, Apprehension, and Monitoring)
(817) 392-4364
www.psafw.com
Rape Crisis
Hotline
(817) 927-2737
Women’s
Haven
(817) 535-6464
Women’s
Center
(817) 927-4000
Women’s
Shelter
(817) 460-5566
Remember,
NO means NO!!!! |
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