Blog # 14

What can a woman do to reduce her risk of assault?

There is no way a person can completely protect themselves from assault but there are many ways that can be done to reduce the risk of being assaulted. There have been more than 200,000 reported victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault in the United States a year in which, nine out of ten victims of rape were females (Alexander, L. 2009).  Many victims of rape are children and adolescence in which, 44% are younger than 18 and about 15% are younger than 12 (Alexander, L. 2009).

There are few steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming rape victim. At home make sure all the doors and windows are locked. Don’t let any stranger in the home when you are alone they can be neighbor or a salesperson. Never give an impression that you are alone at home.  Get to know the neighbors. While you are on the street be alert to your surroundings and people around you. Walk confidently and in well-lit areas. Don’t walk alone at night and be careful when people stop you for direction. While driving park in will-lit areas, and when you return to your car check your car before you getting in. While dating with stranger consider first date in a group setting.  It’s always best to inform your family or friends where you are going. There are little step that can be taken to reduce the risk of assault.  Police believe that in the stranger-rape situation, rapists tend to prey on women who look frightened, easily intimidated, or seem to be daydreaming. As with any violent crime there’s nothing that you can do that will grantee that you will not be a victim of sexual violence. By taking these steps it can help reduce your risk of being sexually assaulted.

References:

Alexander, L. (2009). Other Chornic Diseases and Condition. New Dimensions in Women's Health (5 ed., pp. 310-322). Boston: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.