Preventing Rape

Rape is an act of violence which involves sex. It is one of the fastest growing but least reported crimes in America. Society's understanding of what constitutes rape is expanding, with the recognition of spousal abuse and date-rape and the fact that both men and women can be raped. Almost half of rape victims know their attacker; most rapes occur in the victim's home. It is not a crime of passion, but an expression of rage and hostility and power. Therefore it can happen to anyone at any time, without regard to age, appearance, or behavior of the victim. But certain actions can be taken to reduce the chances of being sexually attacked.

One of the best precautions against rape is to be aware of some of the consequences of your lifestyle. Hitchhiking, driving alone at night, talking with strangers and other such actions cause one to be more vulnerable. Some women resist curtailing their lifestyle, feeling it is unfair that they must be inconvenienced because of a lawless person's actions. This is a foolish and risky stance; regardless of the unfairness, the threat is there.

This does not mean that you should live in fear, or that altering your lifestyle will make you safe from attack. It does mean that you should be aware of the problem and make minor changes when possible. Learn to assess your particular situation and plan ahead. Ask yourself, "What would I do if...?" Practice your plan and be ready to act on it.

SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE YOURSELF MORE SECURE

• Change all locks when moving to a new house or apartment. Use only dead bolt locks.
• Install chain locks on outside doors, and make sure the door is solid wood.
• Always lock the door when leaving the house, even if only for a few minutes.
• Do not leave keys outside in a hiding place.
• Don't keep your house key on the same ring with car keys.
• Install window locks or devices to limit how far the window can be opened.
• Consider installing an electronic security system or subscribing to a neighborhood patrol.
• Use last name and initials in phone directory and on mailbox if you are female.
• Do not give your name or address to an unknown phone caller. If you receive an obscene phone call, hang up immediately.
• Never open the door to strangers. Ask service or delivery people for identification.
• Be appropriately dressed to go to the door.
• If alone when someone comes to the door, say loudly, "I'll get it, John." Say, "My husband is here, but he's asleep."
• Close curtains and shades at night.
• Turn on outside and adequate inside lights.
• If an intruder breaks in, get out--the opposite of whichever way he is coming in. If you cannot get out, try to go to a room with a phone and a lockable door. Call 911.
• When walking, stay close to curb, away from shrubbery and doorways. Do not take shortcuts through alleys, vacant lots or parks.
• If accosted from a car, run the opposite direction from where the car is headed.
• If waiting for public transportation, stand with your back against a wall.
• Walk or drive on busy, well-lighted streets.
• Know where you are going; don't look lost.
• If you walk to your car alone at night, carry your keys in your hand; they make good weapons. Get a car alarm which automatically unlocks doors.
• Park in well-lighted areas, lock all doors, and take careful note of the location so that you can return directly to your car.
• If possible, return to the car in groups; check the back seat before getting in.
• Never hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker.
• Keep your car in good repair. Don't let the tank get below half-full.
• If you often come home late, vary the route.
• If you think you are being followed, drive directly to the nearest all-night store or police station. Don't go home or get out of the car. Blow your horn and flash your car lights to attract attention.
• A favorite ploy of muggers and rapists is to rear-end a vehicle and attack the driver who gets out to assess damage. If someone tries to stop your car, keep driving if possible; try to overtake another car or go to a police or gas station.
• Don't stop to assist strangers; drive on and call police or highway emergency help.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you'll return.
• If your car breaks down, stay in the car with hood up, flashers on, doors and windows locked. If anyone stops to help, ask him to call for police or emergency repair.
• Do not enter an elevator with a person who makes you feel uneasy. Also check to be sure the car has not been summoned to the roof or basement. Stand near the control panel. If someone gets on who seems suspicious, get off on the next floor. If all other passengers get off except a stranger, get off with them and take another car.
• When leaving a store or mall, look about for suspicious actions, such as a car idling nearby. Try not to have arms full of packages. Walk out with others, if possible.

OPTIONS FOR RESISTANCE

If precautionary measures fail, you may still be able to prevent rape or protect yourself from further injury. One means of prevention is that of active resistance. Most rapists don't expect resistance; if you scream and run, so will they. This works some of the time, but you can never really know how the rapist will react. Some rapists will run if you fight, some will fight back.

Active resistance is difficult for many women, for women have not been taught to be physically combative. Women are not generally comfortable with the idea of kicking and fighting. It is important to be mentally, as well as physically, able to fight if you choose this avenue of defense. Formalized self-defense such as karate, is an excellent means of protection. However, it may take several years to learn karate or similar martial arts, and they require much practice. Even these will not work all the time. But they would greatly increase the confidence level.

Passive resistance is another method. In this, the victim talks her way out of the situation. This is not the same as being passive. This view of resistance says that it is better to reduce violence than to promote it. React calmly and it is possible that the rapist will be convinced against it. If you feel that you can talk your way out, appeal to the attacker's morals or mercy. It is important to get him to think of you as a person, for a rapist views the victim as an object, not a person.

Submission is also an alternative. This does not prevent rape, but it may prevent death. As in all other methods described, the woman must make her own decision. No one can say for certain how a person will or should react if faced with this. She may faint or fight, be calm or hysterical. One can never be sure just what will repel a rapist.

Resist intelligently. Use imagination and good judgment, remain as calm as possible and think. Try not to antagonize the attacker, which may cause him to explode in rage. Don't commit yourself too soon to an action. Instead, pretend to be in shock or to faint until you think of a plan.

Be sure that your action is not something that can be used against you. A weapon may be seized by the attacker. Don't rely on having your "protection" handy. If you decide to get a handgun for protection, talk with police about the legal aspects and get training in its proper use.

IF A RAPE OCCURS

Whatever her course of action, the victim has been violated. And the matter of rape should never be passed over lightly. There may be times when it is especially difficult to report the crime. For example, if one is raped by a member of the family, there may be a tendency to protect this individual although he has done wrong. But the fact remains that the rapist is a sick person. He needs to be reported to protect others from him and to force him to get help. It is in the best interests of all concerned for the rape to be reported.

The rape victim is usually taken to a hospital and examined. She should ask to have a female doctor, nurse, or other woman present. The doctor may offer a tranquilizer. She should be tested for STDs, and later, HIV antibodies. If the District Attorney prosecutes the case, the victim should be kept informed of the proceedings. If it is not prosecuted, she can consult a lawyer about suing for damages in a civil court. It is crucial for her to get counseling and find a support group. Family members also need to be informed so that they can be supportive.

A rape experience is psychologically and physically damaging. It takes time for the wounded emotions to subside. In this process, there is great comfort in knowing God in a real way. He values you, regardless of what others may do to demean you. Whatever the situation, he can help the victim focus on hope and grace, and will give strength to move forward toward a new beginning.