General Prevention Tips

General Sexual Assault Prevention Tips
A sexual assault can happen to anyone. Unfortunately it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility that you could become a victim of sexual assault. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of being assaulted:

In Your Home
● Replace or re-key locks when you move into a new house, apartment or condominium
●  Use deadbolt locks at your apartment/condominium or house
●  Keep doorways and entries of your house or apartment/condominium well lit
● Keep ground floor windows closed and locked
● If your doorway does not have a peep hole, have one installed
●  Do not allow strangers into your house or apartment/condominium without first checking their credentials. If you haven’t called a repairman, don’t let one in. Check with your landlord or condominium if a repairman says he has been sent by them before you let him in
● If you live in an apartment or condominium, do not use a common laundry room while alone

When You’re Outdoors
● Try to walk in places where there are other people around and that are well lighted
●  Walk with a steady pace, showing confidence
●  Carry a cell phone
●  Avoid wearing music headphones when you are walking in areas where there are few people around or it is dark.
● If you think you are being followed, go to the nearest residence or business for help.

In You’re Car
●  Avoid walking across a parking lot digging in your purse for your keys. Have your key ready so that you can get into your car quickly.
●  Check the back seat and floor of your car before getting in.
●  Always keep the car doors locked while driving
●  If possible, drive on well lighted busy streets.

In Social Situations
● If possible, attend social gatherings with friends. Arrive together and leave together.
● At bars and parties, don’t accept drinks from someone who you do not know and trust.
● Do not drink from punch bowls at parties or bars.
● Watch your drinks being poured.
● Do not accept a drink that someone offers to get for you from the bar or party fridge unless you know them well and trust them.
● Don’t leave your drinks unattended, do not leave your drink out of eye sight while talking, dancing, going to the restroom or talking on the phone.
● If you go to the washroom or dancing, have a friend watch your drink.
● If you have left your drink unattended, get a new one.
● When in doubt, don’t drink it.
● Always trust your instincts. If a situation does not feel right, LEAVE.

On a date: Key Points for Women
● For first dates, meet your dating partner in a public place. Take care of your own transportation so you are not reliant on your dating partner to take you to and from the date.
● If you’re dating partner touches you in ways that make you uncomfortable, be clear on what your limits are. You can say something like “I don’t want to go that far”. If he does not get the message, look your partner in the eyes, be firm and clear: Say “Stop”, “I don’t want to do that.”
● Trust your gut instincts/Listen to your vibes. If you have a bad or uneasy feeling about a dating partner or situation you are in, don’t take unnecessary chances, leave.
● Limit your consumption of alcohol. Getting drunk can lead to poor judgment and decision making that can make you more vulnerable to sexual assault. A perpetrator may look at your drunkenness as an opportunity to assault you.

On a date: Key Points for Men
● If your partner is drunk or under the influence of drugs, she/he cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
● Don’t assume that you can tell from a dating partner’s “body language” that she/he necessarily wants to engage in sexual activity.
● The way that your dating partner dresses should not be taken as an indication of whether or not she/he wants to have sex with you.
● If your dating partner asks you over to her/his place, this does not mean that he/she is consenting to sexual activity with you. The same applies when a dating partner goes to your place: This should not be taken as an indication that she/he is agreeing to have sex.
● Talking with your partner, and mutually agreeing on what sexual activities you are both willing to engage in can help to make sure that consent is being given. Clear and open communication with your partner is the only way to make certain that you are both on the same page. Open and clear communication is not only likely to make your relationship with your dating partner more enjoyable, it helps to reduce the chances that a misunderstanding will result in a sexual assault.
● Always respect your partner’s wishes. In other words, “No means no.”