Personal Safety

"What can I do to prevent a sexual assault?" and "What should I do if I am attacked?" are questions to which we all want answers. Practical suggestions can be offered on preventative measures, but in an attack situation there are too many variables for anyone to pretend to know "the answer". Your reaction to an assault will depend on, where it is taking place, your assessment of the attacker, and your personality and physical capabilities.

Screaming, not screaming, fighting back, not fighting back all work to some degree of success, but using these strategies depends on each individual situation. The most honest response to questions about handling an attack is that only you can assess the situation and only you can determine the appropriate response.

A difficulty in setting out safety precautions is the grim reality that most sexual assaults are committed by people we know and happen in places where we feel safest - at home, on dates, with friends, etc.

Therefore:

• learn to trust your feelings and instincts about people and situations. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe - LEAVE.
• learn to communicate your feelings and personal limitations to others. - learn to be assertive.
• limit your consumption of alcohol and drugs.
• learn to identify the warning signs of unhealthy and abusive behaviours in your relationships.

Prevention Against Strangers...