Students Sexual Assault Response Team

Tips to lower your risk for Women

Be clear, honest, and consistent in your verbal communication about your sexual desires and limits.
Listen carefully. Accept that "No" means No.
Consent or permission to have sex needs to be clearly communicated. If you are unsure or unclear ASK you partner or date.
Be assertive and clear about what you want and need!
Trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right or makes you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately!
Be aware of the role alcohol and drugs play in sexual assault.
Limit you drinking.
Choose non-alcoholic drinks.
Watch your drink at a party so that you know nothing has been added and pour your own drink if possible.
Travel with friends. Look out for your friends.
At a party, be responsible for yourself and your friends.
Go with friends to an event or party, and leave with friends.
Don’t leave anyone stranded.
Offer help if you see someone at risk.

More Tips for Women

1) Set limits. It is your body and no one has the right to force you to do anything you do not want to do. If you do not want someone to touch you or kiss you for example, you can see “Take your hands off of me” or “Don’t touch me.” Stopping sexual activity doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you, it means you are asserting yourself.

2) Be alert to unconscious messages others may be interpreting. Others may see your behavior differently from what you intended. Often women and men send strong non-verbal signs of willingness to enter a sexual relationship and unintentional signals that might conflict with their desires or wishes. Speak up.

3) Be forceful and firm Women have been socialized to be polite. Do not worry about being “polite.” Often others interpret passivity as permission and may ignore “nice” or “polite” approaches. Say something like, “Stop this, I’m not enjoying it.” Do not do anything you don’t want to just to avoid a scene or unpleasantness. Do not worry about hurting someone’s feelings who is ignoring your wishes.

4) Be independent and aware on your dates. Have opinions on where to go. Think about “safer” places to meet, and, if possible, pay your own way. Always have money with you in case you need to call a taxi or call a friend for a ride home. If you do not feel relaxed and in charge, trust your instincts and take actions to get away. Listening and reacting to “gut feelings” may prevent a very bad experience.

5) Don’t use alcohol or drugs- they impair your ability to make clear decisions. Be able to take care of yourself so that you don’t have to depend on others.

6) If you go to a party, never leave your drink unattended and always pour your own drinks. “Date rape” drugs are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. They are slipped into all kinds of drinks.

7) Be careful when you invite someone to your home/room or your are invited to someone else’s home/room. Many assaults and rapes occur in the victim or perpetrator’s house.

8) Have the courage to look inward and question your own attitudes. Try to understand how your own attitudes and actions might inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes about men and women.

9) Education is one of the best tools for prevention. Attend programs, take courses, watch films, and read articles and books about gender inequality and gender violence.

More tips for Women | More tips for Men

Certified, Sexual Assault Student Counselors offering cofidential crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the SSART hotline service.

California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Ave,
Room G45 - Carter Hall
California Pa. 15419