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How Can You Minimize
the Chances of Sexual Assault?
 

How do I make
an appointment?

Where is
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located?

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So, what can individuals do to prevent sexual assault? For men, these guidelines can help:

if you’re getting mixed signals from a woman, openly clarify what she is comfortable with

don’t assume that the woman wants the same level of intimacy that you want

stay in touch with your sexual desires enough to keep them from controlling you

communicate your sexual desires openly and honestly, and as soon as possible

alcohol will impair your judgment, in one study 73% of the assailants had used alcohol, drugs, or both just before the assault. Also, remember that a woman who doesn’t want to have sex with you isn’t rejecting you, and that "no" means no.

For women, it’s important to take control of how you communicate with men. Here are some ways to avoid unwanted sexual contact:

decide beforehand how intimate you want to get

as soon as the physical contact reaches your limit, let the person know

be forceful and firm if the person is making you feel uncomfortable

remember that alcohol and drugs are often related to sexual assault and may compromise your ability to make responsible decisions, a study found that 55% of victims had been using alcohol or drugs just before the assault.

Unfortunately, there are times when people let their guard down or when there is nothing a woman can do to prevent a sexual assault. When it happens, it’s important to seek support and care. Finding someone to talk to and to help you get the care you need is a good first step. You can go to a friend, family member, physician, counselor, RA, clergy, or advisor- anyone you’d be comfortable with. You may be in shock or denial immediately following an event like this, and having someone to lean on can be a big help.

Sexual assault is a reality, and it’s an issue worthy of attention. If it’s happened to a friend, just listen, be supportive, and steer her in the direction of helping professionals if you think she could use more assistance. If it’s happened to you, know that you’re not alone, it’s not your fault, and that there are many people who welcome the opportunity to help in any way you need. You don’t have to go through it by yourself.

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