NCJ Number
82370
Date Published
Unknown
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This discussion leader's guide is intended to help in presenting a public education program on steps to prevent sexual assault and is designed for use with a parallel information booklet used in Florida's Help Stop Crime program.
Abstract
The outline of characteristics of sexual assault victims indicates that every female, regardless of age, race, socioeconomic status, or lifestyle, is a potential victim. Consideration of where sexual assault occurs emphasizes that it can occur virtually anywhere, but that most incidents happen in the home of the victim or the assailant. All potentially hazardous locales are listed. In discussing the nature of the crime, it is portrayed as being more of an act of violence and aggression against women than as a sexual act. Preventive measures are listed for the home, on the street, and in the car. General safety precautions are presented as well. In considering alternatives in an attack situation, specific actions are advised to depend on particular circumstances, perceptions of the nature of the assailant, and the personality of the victim. Any action must take into account that all rapists are potentially violent. Alternative tactics described are diverting noise, running, gaining a psychological advantage, talking, and fighting. Postattack procedures for the victim are described.