PREVENTION

There is an important difference between preventing sexual assault and reducing the risk of being sexually assaulted. Preventing sexual assault focuses on those committing the act, while risk reduction focuses on the potential victims by offering a variety of strategies that may reduce the possibility of being sexually assaulted. However, the responsibility for preventing a rape does not lie with the victim, but rather with the perpetrator. Ultimately, the best way to prevent rape from happening is to stop people from raping. Though this may sound like an overwhelming task, each of us can take a first step by challenging the myths that blame the victim and protect the rapist.

The Sexual Assault Response and Awareness (SARA) Program of the Alexandria Office on Women (OOW) believes in educating Alexandria residents in both risk reduction and prevention strategies. To this end, the SARA Program offers self-defense classes and provides prevention education presentations to the Alexandria community.

Taking a stand against violent and oppressive behaviors is the first step towards preventing sexual assault. Respecting individuals, encouraging independent thought, and demanding justice are key to building a violence-free society. To volunteer for the SARA Program, please e-mail or call 703-838-5030.

RISK-REDUCTION

People often ask what they can do to keep themselves safe. Risk-reduction strategies such as self-defense or general safety tips can be helpful. Yet, it is important to remember that whether or not risk reduction measures are taken, a victim is NEVER responsible for preventing her or his assault.

RAD classes are available quarterly to learn more.

Below is a list of suggested methods that may reduce your risk of being sexually assaulted. However, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather a resource to increase your knowledge and available options. If you should find yourself in a dangerous situation, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. Some people feel comfortable and are able to defend themselves physically others do not or cannot. Submitting to the demands and threats of an attacker IS a viable and reasonable option. The goal is to survive. Submission to an attacker as a result of force, threat and/or intimidation is rape.

Be safe... In Your Home, On Public Transportation, Out & About, In Your Car, Before an Extended Trip, In a Hotel

In Your Home

• Make sure you have strong locks on all doors and windows. Door chains do not provide adequate protection from anyone seeking entry.
• Use extra locks for windows near fire escapes. If you live in a basement or first floor apartment, place releasable bars on the windows. Place curtains and/or blinds on all windows.
• Report any suspicious activities that occur in your neighborhood to the police and to your landlord.
• Be sure lights are installed and working in dark walkways, driveways, and yards.
• Be aware of places where assailants might hide; under stairs, between buildings, in bushes.
• If possible, do not let strangers into your home.
• Request identification from service personnel, or call their company to verify their employment before you open the door, particularly when the visit is unannounced. Even if the service is scheduled, consider having a friend, family member, or neighbor with you.
• Report unusual phone calls to the police.
• Never give information, not even your name, to an unknown telephone caller. If you receive an obscene phone call, hang up. If calls persist, blow a whistle or click the receiver and say, “Operator, this is the call I want you to trace.”
• Meet your neighbors and know which ones you could trust in an emergency.
• When returning home at night, have your keys ready before you get to the door.
• If someone is watching or following you, go to a neighbor’s house or a public place to call the police.
• Never hide a key outside of your home.
• Hang bells or wind chimes on entryways and place cans or houseplants on the top of in the tracks of windows so that they will be disturbed by anyone who tries to break in.
• When you leave your home, use light timers. Consider having one light inside and one outside and rotate the light you leave on at night.
• Have a lock on your bedroom door and a phone by your bed with emergency numbers written so you can read them without glasses.
• Have a free home security inspection through your local police department. If you live in Alexandria, call the Police Department’s Community Relations/Crime Prevention Section at 703-838-4520 for more information.

On Public Transportation

• When you use mass transit, try to travel with one or more companions.
• Try to sit near the driver.
• Do not fall asleep.
• If you believe that someone is following you, stay on the bus or train until after the suspect gets off. On a bus, ask the driver to let you off at a safe place.
• If your destination is in a questionable neighborhood, take a cab instead of mass transit.

Out and About

• Use a steady, confident pace.
• Vary your travel routes from time to time.
• Carry a whistle or keys in your hands.
• Avoid walking through dark or deserted areas.
• Be wary of giving your name, address or place of business in restaurants and other public places.
• Do not overload yourself with packages.

In Your Car

• Have your car serviced regularly.
• Have a good battery, tires with good tread, and ample gasoline. Refill your gas tank when it is half to a quarter full.
• Lock car doors and keep windows rolled up even during daytime driving.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• If anyone tries to enter the car, sound your horn in short blasts until the police or others come to your assistance. Observe the assailant’s appearance so you can give the police a description.
• Plan your route in advance, carry plenty of maps and ask directions only from gas station attendants or police officers.
• Never pull off to the side of the road to ask a stranger for directions.
• If your car breaks down, put your hood up. If you have a “please call the police” sign, place it in your back window and wait for help. Do not accept a ride from a stranger, but request that he/she call for help.

Before an Extended Trip

• Ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers for you.
• Leave a key with a trusted neighbor so emergencies can be handled and unusual activity in your house or apartment can be investigated.
• Leave shades, blinds, and draperies in their usual positions. Use automatic timers in several rooms so lights will appear alternately.
• Arrange to have your lawn mowed during your absence.
• Tell a relative or friend when you plan to arrive at your destination and when you expect to return home.
• If you live in an apartment, tell both a trusted neighbor and your building superintendent that you will be away.

In a Hotel

• When making your reservation, ask that you be placed in a room near the elevator, not at the end of a hallway or on the ground floor.
• Women should consider making their reservations under a man’s name to protect themselves from hotel personnel.
• Upon entering your hotel room, check its safety (strong locks on doors and windows, hallways adequately lighted).
• If possible, carry a cell phone with you, particularly when traveling. All cell phones, if charged, will call 911, even if there is no service. Be sure to tell the dispatcher your location, as cell phones do not give precise locations.

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If You Are a Survivor - About SARA - About Sexual Assault - Sexual Harassment
For Friends and Loved Ones - Support Groups - RAD - Prevention & Risk Reduction
Myths & Facts - Resources & Links - Get Involved