There are things you can do to reduce your chances of being sexually assaulted. Follow these tips from the National Crime Prevention Council.
· 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.
· Know your limits when it comes to using alcohol.
· 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.
· In case of car trouble, call for help on your cellular phone. If you don’t have a phone, put the hood up, lock the doors, and put a banner in the rear mirror that says, “Help. Call police.”