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How to be safer...

While there is no way to guarantee your safety, there are some things you can do to make yourself less vulnerable. All of this information is intended to help you reduce your risk and be safer. But the only person who can prevent sexual assault is the perpetrator. If you are victimized, it is not your fault. Healing from sexual assault takes time. Recovering from a sexual assault is difficult for a survivor. There are many reactions that all survivors of sexual assault have in common, but there are no rules for how survivors will experience them. There is no right or wrong response, because each person is different. Each person’s way of coping with trauma will be different, too. Always remember you are not to blame and that Sexual Assault Services is here to help you.

In general...

Many sexual assault survivors say they had a “funny feeling” before the assault, but they thought they were overreacting. If your intuition tells you that something is wrong, or if you feel threatened or uncomfortable in any situation, try to get to a safe place as soon as possible. A few other things to keep in mind about your safety:

• Communicate your limitsand boundaries in any relationship, sexual or otherwise. It's your right. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, tell him or her early and firmly. Say “No” when you mean “No.”
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol and other drugs that alter your perceptions or limit your ability to make clear decisions.
• Be aware of your surroundings. .
• Educate yourself, your friends, and family members about sexual assault.
• Be wary of anyone who puts you down, or tries to control you - how you dress, your choice of friends or activities, or the way you think.
• Be especially alert in elevators, parking structures, supermarkets, mall parking lots, and laundry rooms. Enter these places with a friend or co-worker whenever possible.

Please click on any of the subject headings below for information about how to be safer.

1. How to be safer using this website
2. How to be safer online
3. How to be safer on campus
   • Walking on campus
   • Using the Police Cadet Escort service
   • If your car won't start
   • If you need to contact the University Police Department
4. How to be safer when you are out
   • At parties
   • Commuting
   • At home
   • When you travel
5. How to be safer during a confrontation
   • If you are confronted
   • If you see someone else being confronted
   • If the confrontation becomes physical
     
     
     

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