Working together as a community, we can raise awareness, change attitudes, and help prevent sexual assault.
Sexual assault takes many forms—it is any unwanted sexual contact, including rape, attempted rape, and child sexual abuse. It can affect people of any gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. Perpetrators of sexual assault can be friends, acquaintances, family members, or strangers.
How can I protect myself from being sexually assaulted?
There are things you can do to reduce your chances of being sexually assaulted.
- Be aware of your surroundings—who’s out there and what’s going on.
- Walk with confidence. The more confident you look, the stronger you appear.
- Don’t let drugs or alcohol cloud your judgment.
- Be assertive—don’t let anyone violate your space.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings, leave.
- Don’t prop open self-locking doors.
- Lock your door and your windows, even if you leave for just a few minutes
- Watch your keys. Don’t lend them. Don’t leave them. Don’t lose them. And don’t put your name and address on the key ring.
- Watch out for unwanted visitors. Know who’s on the other side of the door before you open it.
- Be wary of isolated spots, like underground garages, offices after business hours, and apartment laundry rooms.
- Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your route. Stay in well-traveled, well-lit areas.
- Have your key ready to use before you reach the door—home, car, or work.
- Park in well-lit areas and lock the car, even if you’ll only be gone a few minutes.
- Drive on well-traveled streets, with doors and windows locked.
- Never hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker.
- Keep your car in good shape with plenty of gas in the tank.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE JUST BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED
- Get to a safe place.
- Contact someone who can help you: a friend, the police (911), The ARK Domestic Violence Shelter & Sexual Assault Program (325 643-2699) or (888-313-2699).
- Do not shower, drink or eat, clean, or change your clothes. These activities destroy important evidence in the event that you decide to prosecute the assailant.
- Get medical attention. You may have hidden injuries and may want to explore options for preventing pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
- Write down everything that you remember happening, with as much detail as possible. This can help with your own healing process and in any legal action you might decide to take.
For Family and Friends
After a sexual assault a person needs to:
- Feel safe.
- Be believed.
- Obtain medical assistance.
- Know she or he was not at fault.
- If you know someone who has been assaulted and you have questions about getting them help, call The ARK Domestic Violence Shelter & Sexual Assault Program (325 643-2699) or (888-313-2699). 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
