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Tips for Women to Prevent Rape and Sexual Assault: Stay Safe and Aware
Written by Adrian Worthington, published 10-19-22
No one likes to think about the possibility of being raped or assaulted. Unfortunately, it’s a reality that many women face every day. It’s essential to learn ways to protect yourself from rape and sexual assault in everyday situations.
According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) an estimated:
20% of women and 4% of men have experienced some type of sexual assault or sexual violence since the age of 16, equivalent to 3.4 million female and 631,000 male victims.
While there’s no sure way to prevent yourself from becoming a victim, there are some steps you can take to lessen your chances. These steps also help safeguard yourself against sexual assault and rape. Keep reading to learn more about how you might protect yourself from rape and sexual assault.
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
You will be safest in bright, well-lit, and busy areas. When you’re out alone, pay attention to your surroundings and who is around you. If you feel like you’re being followed or someone makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts. Get away from the situation as quickly as possible. Staying alert is one of the ways to protect yourself from sexual assault and rape.
2. Act Confidently
When you’re walking around, try to look as if you know where you’re going even if you don’t. Stand up straight and keep your head up so you can see what’s happening around you. Avoid wearing headphones so you can stay alert to your surroundings. Confidence can help protect yourself from rape and sexual assault.
3. Spread Your Valuables Around
Don’t keep all your valuables in one place. For example, put your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket, and your money in your jacket. That way, if someone does try to rob you, they won’t get everything in one go. It may be better to let someone take something from you rather than getting into a confrontation and risking injury. Your safety, including protection from sexual assault and rape, always comes first.
4. Use Reasonable Force in Self-Defence
If someone tries to take something from you or assault you, it may be better to let them take it rather than get into a physical confrontation. However, if they do attack you, remember that you are allowed to protect yourself with whatever you have on hand—keys or a personal rape alarm. Our Trident Attack Deterrent is UK made and upon activation it produces an ear-piercing 138+ decibel alarm and releases a repelling odour and an ultraviolet tracer to both confuse and mark a would-be attacker. Of course, reasonable self-defense is an important factor in helping protect yourself from rape and sexual assault.
No one deserves to be assaulted and everyone has the right to feel safe. By taking some simple precautions and being aware of your surroundings, you can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Remember that if worst comes to worst and you are attacked, you have the right to defend yourself using whatever means necessary. Trust your gut and don’t hesitate to get help if something doesn’t feel right. Taking steps to protect yourself from rape and sexual assault is critical for your peace of mind.
