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PREVENTION STRATEGIES |
Did You Know?
- One out of four women will be raped sometime during her lifetime.
- Over 80 percent of all sexual assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the victim, but almost half of these victims tell no one about the rape.
- Nationally, rape is the most under-reported crime.
- Women ages 16-25 are three times more likely to be raped than women in any other age group.
U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics 1992
Rape is a violent and criminal act. It doesn't matter where it is committed or if the assailant is known to the victim. It is often difficult to tell just by looking at someone if he is a rapist. He may be a stranger or someone you know and trust. He may even be a family member.
Anyone can become a victim of rape and/or sexual assault.
Myth Any woman who agrees to be alone with a man deserves to get raped.
Fact No one, male or female, deserves to be raped, no matter what the situation.
Myth Women who do not fight back haven't really been raped.
Fact It you have been forced to have sex against your will, you have been raped.
Myth It no weapon was used, you were not raped.
Fact A rapist may use his fists, verbal threats, isolation -- anything that will work to overpower you.
Myth Agreeing to some sexual contact means a woman has agreed to intercourse.
Fact Everyone has the right to say "no" if they choose not to continue sexual activity, regardless of what has already occurred.
Myth A husband cannot rape his wife.
Fact In 1984, New York State courts declared marital rape a criminal offense.
Myth Males cannot be raped.
Fact 1 out of 7 males are sexually assaulted by the time they reach adulthood.
* U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. 1992
, it is never the victim who causes the rape!
The following are awareness and rape prevention tips for you to remember
At Home:
· Use only your last name and initials on your mailbox and in the phone directory
· Have locks changed when you move into a new residence and give copies of keys only to people you know.
· Be sure you lock all doors. If you leave your residence for a only short time, to take out the garbage or get the mail, always lock your doors.
· Install dead bolt locks and use them! Do not rely on chain locks.
· Install a wide-angle viewer in your door so you have a clear view of people outside.
· Keep windows secured. If existing locks are insufficient, install new ones. Lock sliding glass doors.
· Make sure you have shades or blinds on every window and put them down at dusk
· Make sure the entry way to your home is well lit.
· If upon your return home you find a door or window open, or suspect that you have been burglarized, Do Not Enter. Notify the police.
· Never open the door until visitors identify themselves and you are satisfied with their reason for the visit.
· Do not leave spare keys under the doormat, on the door sill or any other obvious place.
· If someone drives you home, have them wait until you are safely inside, then signal by flashing a light
· Always have your key in hand upon returning home so you can open your door immediately.
· Never reveal any personal information over the telephone. Never let a caller know that you are alone. Notify police immediately if you receive any obscene phone calls.
· If you use a telephone answering machine, be careful about the kind of message you record. Use '~we" rather than 'I": don't give your phone number and don't give any information that implies you are not at home. An example is, ~ can't come to the phone right now, leave your number and we'll call you back."
A message with a male's voice in the recording can also be helpful.
Walking/Jogging
· Avoid walking/jogging alone, especially at night or in isolated areas.
· If you must frequently walk alone at night, vary your route.
· Don't wear headphones, you may not hear an attacker's approach.
· Never hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker.
· Look around when you're at a bus stop or train station to be sure you are not being followed.
· If you suspect someone is following you, cross the street and keep crisscrossing from one side to the other.
· Avoid shortcuts like alleys, backyards or parking lots.
· Walk close to the curb or roadway; away from shrubbery, doorways and alleys where rapists can hide.
·Dress in a manner which allows you freedom of movement.
· Arrange things you carry so you can easily get your keys.
· Let someone know your destination, route and time of return.
· never accept a ride from a stranger.
· If you are asked for directions, never get too close to the car when you reply.
Driving
· Keep your car in good running order. Items such as hoses, belts, and tires should be checked regularly.
· Always keep your gas tank at least half full. Make a habit of checking gas, oil and battery gauges.
· Have car keys in hand before reaching your car so you can get in quickly.
· Lock doors immediately upon entering the car.
· Plan ahead. Know your destination and route. Carry a map.
· Drive on well-traveled and well-lit roads whenever possible. Carry a car phone if you regularly travel isolated roads.
· Always keep your car doors locked. Use caution in lowering your windows in slow moving traffic and on isolated roads.
· Never leave keys in the ignition. Lock the car and take the keys.
· Park in a well-lit area at night. In a parking lot, park directly under a lamp post
· Before exiting or entering your car. look around for loiterers.
· Check Inside and underneath your car before you unlock the door and enter.
· When stopped at a light or in traffic, keep your car in gear. If you feel threatened, hold your hand on the horn and drive away as soon as possible.
· Check frequently in your rear view mirror. If you think you are being followed, never drive home or pull over in a deserted area. Drive to the nearest police station, fire station, gas station, or well-lit building and honk your horn until help arrives.
· Do not stop to aid a disabled vehicle. Call the police instead.
· If your car becomes disabled, move to the shoulder; raise the front hood, then stay in your car. Lock the doors and don't open the windows. If someone stops to assist, talk through the closed window only.
· Keep a sign* in your car that you can put in your rear view window which reads "Call Police." Someone may call for help and anyone with bad intentions will be deterred by thinking the police are on their way.
At Work
· Never work alone in your office, especially before or after hours. Discuss your safety with your supervisor.
· Always let the front desk or night staff know you are in the building after hours.
· Use the "buddy system." Always walk with someone else to and from the worksite.
· If you work in an isolated area, discuss your safety with your supervisor.
· Report poorly lit areas surrounding the worksite and inadequate staffing at worksite entrances.
· Always have the police emergency phone number at your desk or programmed into your phone.
· Discuss your safety concerns with your supervisor before accepting work before or after regular working hours.
Be aware of your surroundings --look around, stay alert, be observant!
Depending on her capabilities, a woman has choices regarding how to best defend herself. But -- no tactic is foolproof!
Whether a rapist is a stranger or an acquaintance, the same tactics may be used to resist or escape. What you do depends on the kind of person you are, your assailant and the situation.
Being prepared can be the best defense against an attacker. Imagine what you would do if attacked --consider your abilities and coping style. If attacked, act immediately!
The following are tips for you to remember when faced with an impending assault:
I. Verbal Strategies
Talking
It may help to speak calmly in order to reduce your assailant's rage. Crying, reasoning and pleading may help as well; but keep in mind that attempting to make the rapist feel guilty may provoke anger.
Stalling
If you don't believe that you can escape, buy time with any method that may cause the assailant to let his guard down. Engaging him in conversation or pretending you are ill may prove effective.
II. Other Non-Contact Strategies
Disgust your assailant
Claim you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or your period: urinate, fake a convulsion, even vomit.
Scream
This tactic may work if you are in a populated area. Yelling "FIRE" is also an effective strategy designed to get help from strangers.
Run
If possible, run toward lights, buildings, the street-- anywhere you are likely to find other people.
III. Fighting Back
A. Body alarms
These are devices that when pulled, trigger a loud piercing sound which attracts
attention to you. For information on these, contact Victims Assistance Services at (914)
345-3113 or your local police department.
B. Use your body
Physically resisting makes sense if you are certain the
rapist is unarmed and if you think it won't make him angrier. If you think that your
natural reaction would be to fight, make sure you are aware of an attacker's vulnerable
body areas such as the groin, eyes and Adam's Apple.
C. Take care in using weapons
Use anything that may help you escape, but consider that any weapon you use may be
taken by the rapist and used against you. Use only what is easily available. Some examples
are: combs, keys, pins, hairspray, or various other aerosol sprays.
Guns are another means of self-protection, but they are very dangerous. Statisitcs show that it is more likely that a gun will be used against you than to protect you against an attack If you do decide to carry a handgun, it is absolutely necessary for you to license it and learn how to use it correctly -- It could mean your life.
There are people who understand your feelings and can help you through the physical and emotional impact of this crime. Remember, you are a Survivor.
Actions taken by a victim after she has been raped are very important. Though it may be difficult, it is always better to report a rape than to keep it to yourself. Immediate and successful prosecution may stop the rapist from assaulting someone in the future.
After A Rape Has Occurred:
· go somewhere you feel safe
· call the police
· tell someone you can trust
· do not bathe, douche, rinse your mouth, brush your teeth, change your clothes or clean up the area
· go to your local emergency room and request that a rape evidence collection kit be completed
· do not use any medication
· seek immediate medical attention for treatment of injuries and tests for diseases and pregnancy (have these tests whether or not you intend to prosecute)
Often the only witness in a rape case is the victim, so it is important for you to remember as much as you can about the assailant. Important information needed by the police includes:
· race of assailant
·approximate age, weight and height
·color and length of hair
· color of eyes
· clothing
·any scars or tattoos
·a license plate number, car make and color
Be Aware!!!
It is a crime to follow someone around or repeatedly commit acts, including making telephone calls, which place another person in fear of physical injury or death. Such acts are called stalking and if anything like this is happening to you, call the police.
· the local police by dialing 911
· the 24-Hour Rape Crisis Helpline (914)345-9111
· Victims Assistance Services (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) (914)345-3113
To order a free "Call Police" sign to keep in your car send a stamped, self-addressed, business size envelope to the Office For Women, 112 East Post Road, White Plains, N.Y. 10601.
The Westchester Task Force on Rape and Sexual Assault is a collaborative effort by individuals and private and public organizations in the county to educate and inform the community about sexual violence and advocate for victims and survivors.
Cooperating agencies:
Center For Preventive Psychiatry, Family Services of Westchester; Mental Health Association, Planned Parenthood of Westchester and Rockland, Inc., Sarah Lawrence college, Victims Assistance Services, Weschester County District Attorney's Office, Westchester County Office For criminal Justice Planning, Westchester County Office For Women, Wstchester County Probation Department, Women's Forum of Westchester Community College, Yonkers General Hospital
Sources used In this brochure
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault 1993,
"Sexual Violence Facts and Statistics"
United States Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992.
Rape Prevention Tips," produced by the
Westchester County Office For Women in 1985
If you are a victim of rape--the Rape Crisis Hotline is there for you (914)345-9111
Toni Downes, Director
Victims Assistance Services
(A Program of WesCOP)
Co-Chair; Westchester Task Force on
Rape and Sexual Assault
Camille F. Murphy, Director
Westchester County Office For Women
Co-Chair; Westchester Task Force on
Rape and Sexual Assault
Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc.
(WesCOP)
Winston Ross
Executive Director
Andrew P. O'Rourke
County Executive
Camille F Murphy
Director; Office For Women
For information and resources
on women's issues and
additional copies of this brochure,
call the Westchester County
Office For Women
(914)285-5972
This brochure was prepared by the Westchester Task Force on Rape and Sexual Assault and funded by contributions from the Women's Research and Education Fund of the WCOFW and the Westchester County Office For Women.
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