Tip #26 – Resisting Sexual Assault: Campus Safety Awareness Month

Most rapes involve someone known to the victim, so consider these hard questions beforehand to help you act decisively, if necessary.  Under what circumstance(s) would physical resistance be called for?  Could I hurt someone I know and trust, if he was trying to assault me?  Could I treat a boyfriend or good friend who was trying to rape or assault me the same as I would treat a stranger? 

Physical resistance is not just kicking and punching.  Don’t be afraid to scream a loud “NO!” in a situation where you feel you’re being coerced.  The real purpose of giving out a loud yell is to break through fear and panic.  Don’t hesitate to be rude or make a noisy scene to attract attention to yourself if you can’t handle a situation.  Run away if there’s a close place to escape to, like a store, a building with a doorman, a club with a lot of people.  If you can’t get away directly, use a strategy like saying you have to go to the bathroom…and then leave.  Carry a canister of pepper spray and learn how to use it.  Take a self defense or rape prevention course (at least one a year!) to develop the physical skills to resist an attacker.  Want more tips:  http://www.susanbartelstone.com/2009/safetytips-success.html.

To Survivors:  Cooperating with an attacker, with or without resistance, is always a valid choice.  Do whatever you feel will save your life; there are no right or wrong responses.  Cooperation doesn’t equal consent and neither does asking a rapist to wear a condom so you don’t have to worry about pregnancy, HIV/AIDS or other STDs.  It’s customary to feel guilt or shame after a sexual assault, but the blame always falls on the attacker, not the victim, even if you did something you feel was stupid or made you vulnerable.  No one has to the right to rape, beat or abuse you ever, under any conceivable circumstances!  Crime Prevention 101