RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
Rape Protective Measures
Rape is a violent crime, an invasion, a frightening experience.
Rape affects all women, no matter what their age, race or economic
status. All women are potential victims of sexual assault.
By being aware, a woman can reduce the likelihood of becoming a
rape victim. This does not mean all rapes can be prevented.
Rapists commit rape -- NOT VICTIMS.
Psychological Preparedness
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1. Accept the fact that you are a potential rape victim.
Many women operate under the illusion "it will
never happen to me. It may.
2. Educate yourself concerning rape prevention
tactics.
3. Become familiar with community rape prevention
and counseling.
4. Become aware of locations and situations where
rape is more likely to occur and avoid them, or take
precautions.
In a Dating/Friend Situation
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1. The majority of rapes that occur are termed
"acquaintance rapes" - the rapist and victim know
one another. Trust your feelings. If you become
uncomfortable in a situation, assertively ask the
person to leave. Don't worry about hurt feelings.
2. If possible, let a friend or roommate know who you
are with and where you will be. Leave an address
and phone number when possible.
In Your Car
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1. Keep windows and doors locked.
2. If you should be followed into your driveway, stay in
your car with the doors locked. Sound horn to get
the attention of neighbors or scare the other driver
off.
3. When parking at night, select a place that will be
well-lit when returning to the car.
4. Always make sure the car is locked, and have the
keys ready when returning to the car.
5. Check interior of car before getting in.
On the Street
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1. Be observant of things around you. If someone is
following you, go to the nearest house or store.
2. Walk near the curb and avoid passing close to
shrubbery, dark doorways and other places of
concealment.
3. DO NOT HITCHHIKE.
4. Avoid short cuts through parking lots and alleys.
5. Walk with a friend if at all possible. Don't walk
alone.
6. If a car approaches you and you feel threatened,
scream and run in the direction opposite of the one
the car is going.
7. When arriving home by taxi or private auto, ask the
driver to wait until you are inside.
8. Don't jog in secluded areas.
9. Know the location of the special emergency phones
campus.
In Your Home
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1. The best lock cannot function if you fail to lock it.
Be sure to keep your doors locked.
2. All windows should have secure locks and frames.
3. All entrances and garages should be well-lit.
4. Never open the door after a knock. Require the
person to give their name. In the case of service
persons ask for proper I.D. and refuse entrance if
you feel uneasy.
If You Are Sexually Assaulted
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The best resistance you can use against an attacker is
your common sense. Think! Don't panic. The most
important element to remember is that you are not trying
to fight the attacker, but are attempting to divert the
person long enough to get away. Always look for a way
to escape.
If the attacker has a weapon, use your common sense.
Fighting against it could be dangerous.
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1. Stay calm. Do not do anything that may upset the
attacker.
2. Try to convince the person to put the weapon
down.
3. Talk to your attacker, show sympathy and
understanding.
4. Make the attacker see you as an individual, not as
an object.
If the attacker is unarmed, you may be able to scare,
distract or injure the person enough to make your escape.
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1. Scream "FIRE," "POLICE," or create a disturbance
that will attract attention.
2. Assert yourself and fight back if you can do so
safely.
3. Break away and run toward areas with people.
4. Be observant so that you will be able to remember
and identify the assailant.
5. Report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
Checklist for Victims of Sexual Assault
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You may want to call the Rape Crisis Line () for
instructions and support.
1. Report the crime immediately to the police.
2. Do not shower, douche, or change clothing.
3. Have a medical exam and internal gynecological
exam as soon as possible. A delay in time may
destroy evidence.
a) Semen smears must be taken by a clinician.
b) Inform clinician of exact acts committed upon
you and have the clinician note any medical
evidence of them.
c) Clinician should note any bruises or injuries
bleeding, lacerations, etc.) external or internal.
d) Have clinician test for venereal diseases (and
pregnancy later, if relevant).
4. Do not disturb the scene of the assault.
5. Inform police of all details of attack, however
intimate, and of anything unusual you may have
noted about the attacker. Remember what the
person said and how it was said. It may lead to
the arrest of the assailant.
6. Show police any external bruises or injuries,
however minor, resulting from the attack.
7. Police may request your clothes for purpose of evidence.
8. Inform the police if you remember anything that
was not previously reported.
This pamphlet was prepared by
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Dean of Students Office for Women's Resources and Services
McKinley Health Education Dept.
University Police
University of Illinois
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