Sexual AssaultSexual AssaultRisk ReductionRisk Reductionand and Seeking HelpSeeking Help

Sexual Assault Sexual Assault Risk ReductionRisk Reduction

• Avoid Dangerous SituationsAvoid Dangerous Situations• Plan aheadPlan ahead

• Always let someone know where you are, where Always let someone know where you are, where you are going, and when you expect to return. you are going, and when you expect to return.

• Arrange to have someone available to help you in Arrange to have someone available to help you in case of an emergency.case of an emergency.

• Taking a cell phone to a party is a good idea.Taking a cell phone to a party is a good idea.

• Be aware of your surroundingsBe aware of your surroundings• Avoid isolated areas. Avoid isolated areas.

Sexual Assault Sexual Assault Risk ReductionRisk Reduction

• Social SituationsSocial Situations• When you go to a party, go with a group of When you go to a party, go with a group of

friends. Check in with each other during and friends. Check in with each other during and after the party.after the party.

• Use the Use the ““buddy system.buddy system.”” Don Don’’t be afraid to t be afraid to let a friend know if someone is making you let a friend know if someone is making you feel uncomfortable.feel uncomfortable.

• Be a good friend to your Be a good friend to your ““buddybuddy”” at a party. at a party. Keep an eye on him or her.Keep an eye on him or her.

Sexual Assault Sexual Assault Risk ReductionRisk Reduction

• If someone is pressuring If someone is pressuring you:you:• Stay true to your code of Stay true to your code of

conduct.conduct.• Lie. If you are worried Lie. If you are worried

about hurting someoneabout hurting someone’’s s feelings, it is better to feelings, it is better to make up a lie and leave make up a lie and leave than to stay in an than to stay in an uncomfortable situation.uncomfortable situation.

• Think of an escape route. Think of an escape route. Look for exits, doors, Look for exits, doors, windows. Are there people windows. Are there people around who can help you?around who can help you?

• Take action. Speak out. Take action. Speak out. Shout Shout ““NONO”” or or ““FIRE!FIRE!”” (It (It brings people running.)brings people running.)

• Kick, scream, or bite if you Kick, scream, or bite if you have to.have to.

Sexual Assault Sexual Assault Risk ReductionRisk Reduction

• Trust your own instincts!Trust your own instincts!

Sexual Assault Seeking Sexual Assault Seeking HelpHelp

• What to do if you have been sexually What to do if you have been sexually assaulted.assaulted.• Get away from the assailant – find a safe place.Get away from the assailant – find a safe place.• Dial 911.Dial 911.• Call a friend or family member you can trust.Call a friend or family member you can trust.

• Hot lines for help:Hot lines for help:• National Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). National Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

This is a service of the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest This is a service of the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).National Network).

• NCCASA.net is a website that lists the rape crisis NCCASA.net is a website that lists the rape crisis centers for each county (North Carolina Coalition centers for each county (North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault).Against Sexual Assault).

Sexual Assault Seeking Sexual Assault Seeking HelpHelp

• Reporting the assaultReporting the assault• It is the choice of the victim whether or It is the choice of the victim whether or

not to report sexual assault.not to report sexual assault.• Why is it a good idea to report sexual Why is it a good idea to report sexual

assault?assault?• Immediate medical attention may be Immediate medical attention may be

needed including testing for STDs and needed including testing for STDs and prevention of pregnancy.prevention of pregnancy.

• Sexual assault is a serious issue. There are Sexual assault is a serious issue. There are trained professionals who can help the trained professionals who can help the victim deal with many of the feelings he/she victim deal with many of the feelings he/she has not only immediately after the assault, has not only immediately after the assault, but for a period after the assault. but for a period after the assault.

• The assailant may repeat this crime if not The assailant may repeat this crime if not made to pay a consequence.made to pay a consequence.

Sexual Assault Sexual Assault Seeking HelpSeeking Help

• Reporting the assault:Reporting the assault:• To the police, everything is evidence. To the police, everything is evidence. • DO NOT:DO NOT:

• Shower or batheShower or bathe• Throw away any clothes that were worn at time of Throw away any clothes that were worn at time of

the assaultthe assault• Brush or comb hairBrush or comb hair• Use the restroomUse the restroom• Brush teeth or gargleBrush teeth or gargle• Put on makeupPut on makeup• Eat or drink anythingEat or drink anything• Clean up the crime sceneClean up the crime scene