Rape & Sexual Assault

RAPE & SEXUAL ASSAULT

Rape is a violent crime, an invasion
of your body,
and a frightening experience.
Rape affects all women, no matter
what their age,
race or economic status.
All women are potential victims of
sexual assault.
Remember Rapists commit rape
-- NOT VICTIMS.


WOMEN SHOULD BE AWARE THAT:

Women are potential rape victims.
Many women operate under the illusion
It will never happen to me. It could and may.
Educate yourself concerning rape prevention
tactics.
Take self defense courses if you can afford it.

DATE RAPE INSTANCES:
-In Acquaintance rapes situations where the
rapist and victim know each another.
-You need to rely on your feelings.
-Trust your feelings.
-If you are feeling uncomfortable ask the
person to leave or you should leave.
-Don't worry about hurt feelings.
-If possible, let a friend or roommate know
who you are with and where you will be.
-Leave an address and phone number
when possible.

CAR SAFETY:

-Keep your car windows and doors locked.
-If you should be followed into your driveway,
stay in your car with the doors locked.
-Blow the horn to get the attention of neighbors
or scare the person off.
-Use your cell phone call for help
-Park your car in a well lit area if no such place
exist consider the need to be there remember
you may get out but can you get back in safely?
-If possible always have 1 or 2 people walk you
to your car.
-Look in the back before you get in.
-Do not open the window to accept items
YOU MAY HAVE dropped from
strangers. (not even money)
LEAVE IMEDIATELY

STREETWISE TIPS:

-Be observant of things around you.
-If someone is following you, go to the nearest
house or store.
-Stay in a well-lit area while seeking help.
-Do not walk near shrubbery, dark doorways
and other places of
Concealment.
-Avoid short cuts through parking lots and
alleys
-DO NOT HITCHHIKE this is dangerous.
-Don't walk alone.
-Scream loudly if a car approaches you in a
threatening manner, and run in the opposite
direction.
-Always ask you date or friend to wait until you
are inside
*******Blink a light for an okay sign to him/her

HOME SAFETY TIPS:

1. The best lock cannot function if you fail to
lock it. Be sure to keep your doors locked.
2. All windows should have secure locks and
frames.
3. All entrances and garages should be well lit.
4. Never open the door after a knock without
making sure of whom it is.

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IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY
ASSAULTED:

Rely on your common sense.
Think! Don't panic.
Always try to look for a way to escape and
run toward areas with people.
If the attacker has a weapon, use your
common sense.
Fighting against it could be dangerous.

1. Stay calm. Do not do anything that may
upset the Attacker.

2. Try to convince the person to put the
weapon down.

3. Talk to your attacker, show sympathy
and understanding.

4. Make the attacker see you as an
individual, not as an object.

5. Scream "FIRE," "POLICE," or
create a disturbance that will attract
attention.

6. Assert yourself and fight back if you
can do so safely.

7. Be observant so that you will be able
to remember and identify the assailant.

8. Report the incident to the police as soon
as possible.

Checklist-Victims of Sexual Assault
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1. Report the crime immediately to the police.

2. Do not shower, douche, or change clothing.
You may feel dirty but do not do anything
until advised.

3. Have a medical exam and internal
gynecological exam as soon as possible.
A delay in time may destroy evidence.

a) Semen smears must be taken.

b) Inform your doctor of exact acts committed
upon you and have the clinic note any medical
evidence of them.

c)Clinics should note any bruises or injuries
bleeding, lacerations, etc.) external or internal.

d) Have clinics test for venereal diseases (and
pregnancy later, if relevant).

4. Do not disturb the scene of the assault.

5. Inform police of all details of attack, however
intimate, and of anything unusual you may have
noted about the attacker. Every detail counts

6. Show police any external bruises or injuries,
however minor, resulting from the attack.

7. Police may request your clothes for purpose
of evidence.

8. Inform the police as soon as possible if you
remember anything that later not previously
reported.