At Home or Work
Know who you are letting into your home. Can you trust him/her? The same issue of trust applies when considering going into someone else's home, or, when working alone with anyone with whom you are uncomfortable. If you sense something doesn't feel quite right, ask a friend to accompany you or stop by to check on you. Trust your instincts!
Get to know your neighbors so you have someone to go to or call if you're scared..
Never give the impression that you are home alone.
Never let a stranger into your home.
Check the identification of any sales or service persons before letting them in.
If you live alone, use your last name and first initial only on mail boxes and in phone directories.
If you live in an apartment, avoid being alone in the laundry room or parking lot, especially at night.
Make sure your home has adequate security. Keep all windows secured and doors locked. Keep entrances well-lighted.
If you come home alone and find an open door/window or any signs of forced entry, do not enter your home. Go to the nearest phone and call the police.
While Walking
Do not walk alone, especially at night, there is safety in numbers. Avoid unfamiliar areas and areas where there are few people.
Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
Stay in well-lighted areas.
Walk confidently and with purpose, at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic.
Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
If you feel you are being followed, go to the nearest store or house.
If someone bothers you, don't be embarrassed to attract attention. Scream, yell, or whistle. If they are in a car, run in the opposite direction that the car is going. Record the license plate number if you can, even a partial number will help, and remember the color and type of vehicle. Then call the police.
Being Safe With Acquaintances
When going out with someone new, don't feel you have to go alone. Go on a group date, go out and meet a group of friends, meet in a public place.
Avoid falling for lines such as "If you loved me...". If your partner loved you they would respect your feelings and wait till you are ready.
Be aware and be independent on dates. Have opinions on what you will do, pay your own way, provide your own transportation.
Trust your instincts. If you don't feel comfortable in a situation, leave it.
Don't put yourself in a situation where other people might have to take care of you, because they might not be there.
Be careful when inviting someone into your home, or going to someone else's home. These are the places that most acquaintence rapes occur.
Communicate with your partner. Be firm, don't send mixed messages, be clear with your partner what you are comfortable doing.
If things start to get out of hand, protest loudly and leave. Don't wait for someone else to help.
Tell a trusted friend or family member about your planned date or meeting with the person and let them know of your plans for the evening. It's important someone else knows who you are with and where you are going.
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