PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SEXUAL ASSAULT

Protect yourself from becoming a victim of rape.

AT HOME...SAFETY TIPS

List only your initials and last name in the telephone directory and on a mailbox.

Make sure your entrance area is well lit.

Lock your doors, even if you are at home and whenever you leave, even if it's only for a few minutes.

Shades or blinds should be on every window.

Fire Department approved gates or bars should be put on windows next to fire escapes or on the ground floor.

Avoid sleeping with your windows open.

Never automatically open your door to strangers. Use the peep hole. Do not open your door even with the chain on.

Ask service people to identify themselves. If you were not expecting this person, call their employer and verify their identity and the reason they need to enter your home.

If a stranger asks to use your phone, do not let the person enter. Offer to make the call for them.

Do not buzz someone into the building or hold the lobby door open unless you know the person.

Think about what actions you would take if you were to be confronted. There is no right or wrong way to respond to a sexual attack. Each offender and circumstance may be different. Whether or not to resist an attacker can only be your decision.

If you were the victim of a sexual assault, and did not resist, don't second guess yourself! Any action you took to save your life was appropriate.

To obtain a pamphlet with more tips on how to protect yourself against sexual assaults and rape or to arrange a lecture for your civic group, business, or school, call the Sex Crimes Report Line: (212) 267-RAPE

MYTHS ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT

• Sex crimes are crimes of passion or desire.
  False. Every sex crime is a crime of violence, anger and power.
• Sexual offenders commit these crimes in order to get sex.
  False. Sex offenders get gratification from intimidating, humiliating and degrading their victims. Many sex offenders are married or already involved in relationships where they can freely engage in intimate relations.
• People provoke sexual assaults by dressing "sexy." Only certain types of people are sexually assaulted.

False. People of both sexes, all ages, professions and styles of dress have become victims of sexual assaults.
• It's easy to tell who is a sex offender.
  False. Sex offenders come from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. A sex offender can be anyone: male, female, married, a friend, relative, acquaintance or stranger. Sex offenders may even look "wholesome" or possess "movie star" good looks, which they use to make their approach to victims easier.
• Women claim rape to get even with men.
  False. Nationwide surveys of police departments indicate rape is one of the least falsely reported crimes. No person can be sexually assaulted against their will. False. Fear and threats of violence or disfigurement to oneself or a loved one can immobilize anyone.

*Article provided by the New York Police Department. Click on the link or banner to be connected to the official website of New York Police Department.