:: Crime Prevention Unit  

INTRODUCTION

Sexual assault is a scourge on any community. It can devastate victims, their families and friends and is a blot on the social well-being of us all.

Like most criminals, sexual offenders are opportunists. And as in all other crimes, prevention is the best defense.

In many instances, sexual assault can be prevented. Being alert to the danger and practicing some common sense rules of personal safety will lessen your chances of becoming a sexual assault victim. We hope this pamphlet will help you recognize danger signals and dispel some widespread misconceptions about sexual assaults.

Remember that there is no creditable "profile of a sexual offender." Sexual offenders cannot be stereotyped. They may be family members, acquaintances, friends, co-workers or total strangers. Their victims come from every age group, ethnic background and social standing. They prey upon the unsuspecting and the unprepared.

Remember that prevention is the best defense.

FACTS ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT

Some people have the wrong idea about sexual assault. They think sexual offenders are overcome by sexual desire, that victims were dressed too seductively, the victim "asked for it"–and that all women subconsciously want to be sexually assaulted.

These ideas assume that sexual assault is a sexual crime – a crime that is motivated by desire. It isn't. It is a violent crime, a hostile attack, to hurt and humiliate. Sex is only the weapon.

Sexual assault is a felony. Simply defined, it is sexual intercourse, achieved or attempted without the victim′s consent, and with the use or threat of force. Legally, "sexual intercourse" means penetration by any part of a person's body – or any object used by that person – into the genital opening of another person.

Anyone can be a victim

If you think that sexual assault is motivated by sexual desire, or happens because victims "ask for it," consider these facts: sexual assault can happen to anyone – children, students, working women, mothers, wives, grandmothers, men, the rich and the poor.

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THE SEXUAL OFFENDER

Imagine a "typical" sexual offender. Whom do you picture? A sex-crazed maniac? A psychopath? More often than not, those stereotypes are wrong. Most sexual offenders don't look peculiar or act strangely. They may be less stable and more aggressive than most people, and they may dislike women. Sexual offenders are not always strangers to their victims. In over one-third of reported cases, the sexual offender is an acquaintance, neighbor, friend, or relative.

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ALWAYS THINK PREVENTION

On The Street

• Stay in well–lighted areas as much as possible.
• Walk in the middle of the sidewalk, against the flow of traffic traveling on the street.
• Avoid doorways, pillars, alleyways, shrubbery or any place a sexual offender may be hiding.
• Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement. Don't burden yourself with too many packages.
• While waiting for your ride or a bus, be aware of the traffic flow and wary of any car that passes slowly or returns.
• If stopped by someone in a car asking directions or questions, give your answers from a safe distance. Never get close to the car.
• If your instinct tells you that you are being followed, trust your instinct. Cross the street and seek the nearest place of safety (an open business or occupied residence).

In Your Car

• Learn basic information about the functioning of your car, how to change a tire, and what tools are needed.
• Plan your route ahead of time and stay on well-traveled roads.
• Keep the doors locked and the windows open a crack to allow for ventilation.
• Park in well-lighted areas, away from bushes and pillars where someone may be hiding.
• If stopped, do not get out of your locked car unless you can identify the person as a police officer.
• Don't leave items of value in plain view.
• Take valuables with you. Lock your car. On your return, have your keys ready so you won't have to fumble for them if trouble appears.
• Check the back seat and interior of your car before entering.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood and turn on the hazard lights. If someone stops to help, stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police or a garage.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or police station.

In Your Leisure Time

• Travel in-groups. There is safety in numbers.
• Park as close as possible to your destination.
• Avoid walking long distances to and from your car.
• Avoid secluded or empty parks and beaches, especially during the evening, night or early morning hours.

At Work

• Be familiar with your entire work area, giving special attention to poor lighting in corridors, stairways and parking area.
• Avoid areas that do not have a lot of pedestrian traffic. Stairways can be isolated and dangerous.
• In elevators, stand next to the control panel. If you are attacked hit the emergency alarm and every other button you can reach.
• Whistles and other types of noisemakers can be used to alert people that you need help.
• If you must work late, notify someone that you are safely locked in and tell them how long you expect to be working. Telephone them when you leave so they will know when to expect you home.

CONFRONTATION

Passive Resistance

• Sometimes a person may want to resist, but is afraid to scream or fight back. In these cases, a more passive type of resistance may help to defuse the violence of the attacker.
• Try to calm the attacker. Tell him you are pregnant, or have V.D., or you have your period.
• Try to discourage the attacker. Some women pretend to faint, some cry hysterically, others act insane or mentally incapacitated.
• If you are at home, tell the sexual offender your husband or boyfriend will be home soon.

Active Resistance

• Nobody can tell you whether active resistance will be the right thing to do. There are many types of active resistance.
• All hits or kicks should be aimed at the vulnerable parts of the body.
• Examples are a kick to the groin, a poke in the eyes, a chop to the front of the throat, or a stomp on an attacker's instep.
• A scream can surprise or frighten away an attacker if he fears that people will come to help.
• If you are not afraid to hurt someone, a forceful struggle may also discourage the sexual offender.
• Do not fight when faced with a gun or a knife against your body.
• Fight to protect human life and to escape.
• Your best method of self-defense is the avoidance of potentially dangerous

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IF YOU SHOULD BECOME A VICTIM

• As soon as you are safe call the police and give your location.
• While waiting for the officer don't shower or wash in any way.
• Do not throw away torn clothing or straighten up the area where the sexual assault took place.
• The first officer arriving will need information regarding the description of the suspect, the vehicle (if any), and the location of the offense.
• You will talk with a detective who is trained to investigate crimes of sexual assault.

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