How To

How to Avoid Becoming a Rape Victim

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(11 Ratings)

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a woman is raped in the United States every 2 seconds. Take extra care to keep yourself safe.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Be aware of your surroundings. Notice if someone is following you. If so, cross the street and walk quickly. Make as much noise as you can to attract the attention of passersby.

  2. Step 2

    Park in well-lit areas at night.

  3. Step 3

    Hold your keys in your hand when you walk to your car or to your front door. This is so you can get inside right away, and also so you can use the sharp edges as a weapon if necessary.

  4. Step 4

    Ask your ride to wait and see that you get safely inside before taking off.

  5. Step 5

    Don't let strangers into your home, even if the reason seems legitimate, such as someone who says he has a flat tire and needs to use the phone.

  6. Step 6

    Remember that many rapes are committed by someone the victim knows.

  7. Step 7

    Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy, remove yourself from the situation right away.

  8. Step 8

    Go out with friends whenever possible, rather than alone.

  9. Step 9

    Don't leave a drink unattended. There have been cases in which men slip a drug such as GHB or Rohypnol into a woman's drink. These drugs will knock you out, making you an easy target.

  10. Step 10

    Look for a nearby building and run in and pull the fire alarm to cause a commotion if you feel you are in danger.

  11. Step 11

    Carry a whistle with you to scare potential attackers away.

Tips & Warnings
  • In general, women who fight their attackers have a better chance of getting away.
  • Always be sure your assailant isn't armed before you decide how to react.

Comments  

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on 10/3/2009 thanks for this article!

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on 7/7/2009 if u care of ur health read here http://superedpack.com/category/men-s-health.html

chocostarr said

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on 2/11/2009 To annoymous yes that's the cliche fight fight..those are obviously natural instincts nobody just lays there and gets raped that's y its rape cos it's a violation of a person. Wen i was gettign raped i battled for an hour and got even deeper worse wounds..Its easy to talk about fighting back wen ure not in it...it is a horrible situation for anybody and should not be over simplified by simply telling people to fight back

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on 12/22/2008 Whistle while you work

guardtoday said

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on 3/3/2008 I just bought myself a pepperspray ring that if someone come up behind you you are ready to just release the spray right at them. I feel much safer now.
http://www.guardyourselfnow.com/stunningring.htm

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