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UNIVERSITY of ARKANSAS PAT WALKER HEALTH CENTER |
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STAR Central |
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a program of Health Promotion and Education |
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Risk Reduction Strategies By
being aware and alert, a person can reduce the risk of rape. Certain
behaviors and strategies can be used to decrease the likelihood of being
raped. However, even if all of the strategies are followed, it is still
possible for a rape to occur because a person can only control their own
behaviors and actions and not the decisions, behaviors, and actions of
another. It should always be remembered that if a rape does occur, it was not the victim’s fault. Victims should never be blamed for the fact that somebody else chose to overpower them or take advantage of a situation. Place the blame where it belongs, on the one who perpetrated the crime of rape. What
Can Men Do? ·
Be aware of language.
Words are powerful. It is common in our society for
words to be used that put women down, such as when a woman is referred to
as a “whore,” “slut,” “dog,” “bitch,” or other degrading
and inappropriate terms. Such language sends a message that women are
inferior and it becomes easier to treat them with less respect, disregard
their rights, and ignore their well-being. ·
Speak up.
Talk
with other men when you hear attitudes, jokes, and language or see
behaviors that are degrading toward women and promote the concept that
it’s okay to rape. Talk with women about the risk of being rape and
about risk reduction strategies. ·
Communicate.
Talk honestly and openly about sex. Effective and clear communication
about your desires, listening to your partner, and asking when situations
are unclear enables men to make sex safer for themselves and others. ·
Don’t ever have sex
with anyone against their will. Although
most men never rape, the overwhelming majority of rapists are males. Be
the kind of man who values equality and treats others with respect.
Don’t be one who uses his strength to hurt others. Some
basic risk reduction strategies include: ·
Be alert. Know what is going on around you. Try to
avoid areas or times of isolation from others. ·
Walk with confidence. Using
skills of assertiveness, a person is less likely to become a victim.
Although stranger rape is less common than acquaintance rape, walk in
well-lit areas, park under street lights, stick to main paths and routes. ·
Communicate clearly.
Be familiar with your own sexual desires and limits. Openly and honestly
discuss them with your partner. Give consistent information so that there
is less room for ambiguity or uncertainty. ·
Trust your instincts.
If you are uncomfortable about a situation, then leave right away. · Use caution when first dating. When dating someone new, remember that you still don’t know this person yet. Arrange to meet your date at public locations for the first several dates as you get to know each other better. Have your own transportation to and from your first several dates. Let others know where you will be and when they can expect you to be back. ·
Use alcohol responsibly.
Using alcohol or other drugs can increase the risk for sexual assault.
Alcohol and other drugs affect decision-making. If you choose to drink,
drink responsibly and know your limits. Never use illicit drugs. ·
Never drink beverages from open containers or punch
bowls when at a party or bar. Never leave a drink unattended. Never accept
a drink from someone other than the bartender, waiter, or waitress. Date
rape drugs, often colorless, tasteless, and odorless, can easily be
slipped into drinks, rendering a person helpless. ·
Use the Buddy System. Go out with and return home with friends. Never let a friend behind,
especially one who is under the influence. ·
Be aware of your actions. Some people like to use the excuse that the way someone acted or dressed
was the reason that they were raped. These notions are myths. No one
deserves to be raped. Realize that certain behaviors can attract some
negative attention. Be aware of this and be able to assertively respond to
it. All
contacts and survivor services
are confidential.
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