Safety Tips

Preventing the attack of a rape is as important as Healing from a rape itself. Why? Because we are trying to set an example for the world, by making changes, by telling our stories, by making our voices known. The one person who might venture forth to this very page and find hope and save your very own life some day. You might even be a Survivor of rape yourself but don't let this page fool you or think you won't gain anything from it because you think you've somehow lost. For I myself am a Secondary Survivor and where this page could have came handy for me a million tears ago it will help you right now. -Haullie

What to do if you are being attacked or have been attacked

TALK - say anything that may allow you to escape (i.e. "I'm pregnant"; "I have VD"; "I have AIDS"; etc.)

FIGHT - aim for sensitive parts of the body;; groin, eyes, windpipe, kneecap. The first blow is very important and must be accurate. You may not have a second chance.

SUBMIT - submitting is not the same as consenting, and it may be the only way to save your life; however, do not allow the rapist to tie you up. At that point, you will loose all your options to escape and may not be able to get the situation back into control.

RUN - your main objective is to get away. Look for crowds, houses with lights on, a busy street, etc.

REMEMBER - Violence is seldom far from the surface of a rapist's mixed-up mind. Rape is a crime of violence using sex as the weapon. If persuasion and resistance do not work, concentrate on identity: age, height, hair color, eye color, scars or birthmarks, clothes, car and license number. Personal protection articles carried in your purse are not easily accessible and can be used against you. Mace should not be used outdoors because the wind can cause it to blow into your face, not the face of the attacker.

WHAT IF - consider circumstances and places that someone may try to attack you and play the "What if" game (i.e., what could you do to avoid an attack at the mall, in your home, in your car).

Surprise and fear are two tactics rapists use to their advantage. By being aware at all times (not paranoid), you can eliminate these and remain in control when someone approaches you. Keeping your wits about you is the key during the first three minutes of an attack. Concentrate on the situation. If you scream, can anyone hear you? If you run, is there anywhere to hide?
 
After a Rape...

DON'T destroy evidence by bathing, douching, washing hands, brushing teeth, changing clothes or linens, eating or drinking.

DO notify someone immediately. It may help you if a friend or neighbor goes with you to the hospital and police.

DO seek medical attention in the ER of a local hospital. You need to have a rape exam even if you decide not to press charges. The exam is used to collect evidence (which will be needed if you later decide to prosecute) as well as assure you that you did not sustain injuries which may not be visible yet (i.e., internal injuries, bruises).

DO call police as soon as possible. Even if you don't want to file any charges, you can file an informational report that may help police locate your attacker and protect others. Most rapists are repeat offenders!

DO take a change of clothes with you to the hospital.

DO write down the details about the rapist and the circumstances of the rape as soon as possible.

 
Reactions to Rape...

Rape can affect a victim in many ways. All of the following reactions are normal. Some of them should be expected.

• Anger - Shock - Disbelief - Suppression

• Fear of being alone

• Fear of crowds

• Fear of the return of the attacker

• Obsession with assault

• Fear of men

• Fear of husband/friends/family finding out

• Embarrassment / Guilt

• Disruption of normal sex life

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