Where You Live:

• Keep your doors and windows closed and locked at all times, even if you run down to get the mail or laundry or to a neighbor's for a minute.
• Don't ever just open your door when someone knocks. Look through a peephole and ask to know who it is before you open the door. Do not tell the stranger that you are home alone. Tell the person to come back later.
• On the phone, always get information, but don't give information. Take a message or pretend you are taking a message. Don't give out your name or say who you are. They are calling you-get their name, who they want to talk to and why they are calling.
• If someone is abusive to you, tell someone who you can trust-keep telling until someone helps you to stop the abuse. You can also call (800) 962-2873 (1-800-96-ABUSE) or 911 and report what is happening to you.

When You Go Out:

• Always plan for a backup way home in case your ride falls through.
• Go out with trusted friends. If you go to parties or hang out with people, always make sure you are with several friends that you trust.
• Don't agree to plans that make you feel uncomfortable or unsure.
• Feeling safe is your number-one priority! Don't ever compromise your safety to make someone else feel comfortable.
• Do not use drugs or alcohol because when you are drunk it is very difficult to protect yourself and make good decisions.

When Using Public Transportation:

• As much as possible, pick stops where others are waiting. If you have to wait alone, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Try not to rely on public transportation late at night. If you have to take a bus or train at night, use stops that are well-lit and populated.
• When waiting, sit near a group of people. If someone makes you feel uneasy, move.
• On the bus or train, sit near the driver or conductor's station. If someone makes you uncomfortable, move.
• Sexual assault is always the molester's/attacker's fault. Rape and sexual assault are never the victim's fault. Following some general safety rules can lower your risk of becoming a victim.

When Walking/Biking/Roller Skating:

• Always be aware of what is going on around you. Stay alert to your surroundings.
• Carry yourself with confidence-head held up and shoulders straight. In this way you will be aware of what is going on around you and you will appear alert, strong and capable of resistance.
• Keep your hands free-use a backpack, waist pouch or any type of carrier that can be slung across your shoulder or strapped around your waist or back.
• At night, stick to well-lit, populated areas and walk/bike/skate with another person. Avoid being out alone or in isolated areas.
• Plan your route and know the area. Identify places where you can go for help in the area and know where phone booths are.
• Don't use shortcuts or go to places alone to skate or bike, such as parks or boardwalks.
• Take special precautions in stairwells, elevators, bathrooms and dark and/or isolated areas with foliage and shrubbery.
• If you suspect that you are being followed, go to the nearest populated place. If you choose to flee, go as fast as you can and scream to attract attention. Scream "fire," not "help" or "rape."
• Always trust your gut instinct: If you sense danger, react immediately and get away.
• Never stop to give someone directions or answer a question. Keep walking/biking/skating. If someone approaches you, refuse them and keep going.
• Never accept a ride from a stranger or someone you have seen around, have known only a short while or someone who is a friend of a friend.

Drug-Assisted Sexual Assault

Be aware... Know the risks!

You may think that drug rape only happens to women. Well it doesn't- it can happen to men as well as women.

If you think you may have been the victim of 'drug rape', contact the police without delay.

There are a number of practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of drug assisted rape/sexual assault. These include:

• Plan your journey or night out.
• Make sure that someone knows where you are going and what time you will be home.
• Arrange your journey to and from home.
• When going to a club or party, avoid going alone. Friends can watch out for each other.
• Appoint a nominated drinks-watcher.
• Remember, alcohol does affect your actions and your reactions as well as your ability to be alert.
• Stay aware of what is going on around you and away from situations that you do not feel comfortable with.
• Never accept a drink from anyone you do not completely trust.
• Do not share or exchange drinks.
• Don't leave your drink unattended, even when going to the restroom.
• Consider very carefully whether you should leave the club or party with someone you have just met.
• If you begin to feel really drunk after only a drink or two seek help from a trusted friend or a member of the club management. It is important to get to a place of safety as soon as possible.
• You must be sure you have absolute trust in the person you seek help from no matter how long you have known them.