NCJ Number
81910
Date Published
1980
Length
23 pages
Annotation
A public information booklet describes the nature of sexual assault, primarily against females, and measures which can be taken to avoid assault.
Abstract
Statistics indicate that all females are potential victims of sexual assault, that rapists tend to be unstable persons who view their victims as objects on which to vent their aggressions, and that the most common site of assaults is the assailant's home. Rape prevention measures in the home include securing windows and doors, exercising caution in admitting people to the premises, and keeping doors locked and drapes closed. Precautions to be taken when riding in or going to cars and when on the street are also mentioned. To be prepared for critical situations, every woman must think about her own responses to different situations (e.g., how she would react to the prospect of rape). A woman can deal with a sexual attack by trying to reach the rapist on a human level so that she seems like less of an object to him; by using an intermediate tactic (e.g., vomiting) to gain time; by talking soothingly to the attacker and feeding his ego; or as a last resort, by fighting, using speed and surprise to inflict serious injury. After an assault the victim should first obtain proper medical and psychological assistance, attempt to preserve evidence, and cooperate with the police as much as possible in identifying the assailant. Families are encouraged to give the victim the emotional support which she needs.