In this Article

• What is sexual assault?
• What do I do if I've been sexually assaulted (raped)?
• Where else can I go for help?
• How can I protect myself from being raped?
• How can I help someone who has been sexually assaulted (raped)?
• Where can I find more information about rape?
• Rape Glossary
• Rape Index

How can I protect myself from being sexually assaulted?

There are things you can do to reduce your chances of being sexually assaulted. Follow these tips from the National Crime Prevention Council.

• Be aware of your surroundings—who's out there and what's going on.



• Walk with confidence. The more confident you look, the stronger you appear.



• Don't let drugs or alcohol cloud your judgment.



• Be assertive—don't let anyone violate your space.



• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings, leave.



• Don't prop open self-locking doors.



• Lock your door and your windows, even if you leave for just a few minutes.



• Watch your keys. Don't lend them. Don't leave them. Don't lose them. And don't put your name and address on the key ring.



• Watch out for unwanted visitors. Know who's on the other side of the door before you open it.



• Be wary of isolated spots, like underground garages, offices after business hours, and apartment laundry rooms.



• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your route. Stay in well-traveled, well-lit areas.



• Have your key ready to use before you reach the door—home, car, or work.



• Park in well-lit areas and lock the car, even if you'll only be gone a few minutes.



• Drive on well-traveled streets, with doors and windows locked.



• Never hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker.



• Keep your car in good shape with plenty of gas in the tank.



• In case of car trouble, call for help on your cellular phone. If you don't have a phone, put the hood up, lock the doors, and put a banner in the rear mirror that says, "Help. Call police."

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Read about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks), causes (war, traumatic events), effects (depression, suicide) and treatment (medication, therapy).
• Dissociative Identity Disorder - Read about dissociative identity disorder (formerly multiple personality disorder or split personality disorder) symptoms, signs, causes, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
• Sexual Addiction - Get the facts on sex addiction, behavior of someone who has an unusually strong sex drive or sexual obsession. Sex and thoughts of sex dominate a sex addict's thinking, making it difficult to work or engage in healthy personal relationships.

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