Prevention Tips

Sexual Assault Prevention Tips

According to RAINN, every 68 Seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. “Sexual violence affects hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. While we’re making progress–sexual violence has fallen by half in the last 20 years–we still have a long way to go. Even today, only 25 out of every 1,000 rapists will end up in prison. Will you join Peace River Center, FCASV, RAINN and other prevention organization in raising awareness about sexual violence and what we can do to prevent it?

Sexual Violence Happens in Relationships Too

Sexual assault and rape can happen to people in all contexts, including marriage, dating relationships, friendships, child-parent interactions, employer-attendant relationships and stranger interactions. Rape and sexual assault are never the fault of the survivor. It is the behavior of the perpetrator that is wrong. Peace River Center Victim Services is here for you. We provide free and confidential support 24-hours a day by calling 863.413.2707. Learn more about Peace River Center Victim Services Sexual Assault and Rape Recovery Program.

Remember, at any point in a sexual encounter a person has the right to STOP. It is never too late to say NO. There is no such thing as uncontrollable sex urge, so there are no excuses for not stopping. Remember, when you don’t take “no” for an answer in any form you’re infringing on another person’s rights. Forced sex is not sex. It is a violent crime, even if you know the other person or are out on a date. Rape is illegal and can put the perpetrator in jail for a long time. It also causes lifetime consequences for the victim.

Saying “No” Without Saying the Word

Sometimes people have a difficult time directly stating they don’t want sex. People will say or do things that mean NO without actually saying the word. This can be confusing to the other person, especially in a romantic relationship or if the person has previously seemed interested. Oftentimes people don’t understand when a person says “I don’t feel like it” or “I’m not sure yet” that means NO. Don’t assume you know what the other person wants. Always seek consent. Stop your sexual advances if the other person indicates no interest or if they say “no”.

Actions That Mean NO

Avoiding eye contact
Cringing
Moving away
Crying
Avoiding being alone with you
Reluctance to get into your car

No Messages

I don’t feel like it
I don’t know
I’m confused
It’s getting late
I don’t want to go all the way
I don’t want to get pregnant

Additional No Messages

Let’s take our time
I don’t like this
I don’t want to get a disease
I don’t feel good about this
I’m not ready
Please, no
I don’t know that I like you that much
I know we’ve done it before, but I don’t want to
I only do it with people I really care about
I don’t know you well enough yet
I don’t want to do more than petting
Maybe
I think I’ve had too much to drink
I need to go home

Sexual Assault Prevention Tips

As RAINN notes, while there’s no way to eliminate the chance that something may happen, there are strategies that may reduce your risk or give you the confidence to step in to prevent a sexual assault. Check out their resources for Parents and Students as well as additional Warning Signs. You can make a difference. You can help Peace River Center eliminate sexual violence in our community.

Know your sexual boundaries and that you have a right to say “no” regardless of the circumstances
Communicate your sexual limits firmly and directly before the “heat of the moment”
Don’t assume any flirtatious behavior is a signal for sex
The absence of a “no” is not a “yes”
Listen to your partner. If you’re receiving unclear messages, stop
Respect the right of your date to set his or her limits—no means no and includes any nonverbal signals, uncertainty, or no messages
Do not respond to pressured sex as a means of developing a relationship
Do not use threats or coercion to engage in sexual activity
Regardless of the circumstances you do not owe your date sex in exchange for dinner or anything else
Be alert and have a response plan for any sexual cues from your date or others
Discourage your friends from aggressive and sexually aggressive behavior
Avoid or use alcohol/intoxicants sparingly, set your limits for consumption
Do not leave drinks unattended and be wary of accepting drinks from people you do not know well
Always tell someone where you are going, who you will be with and when you will be back

Always Ask for Consent, Always

Engaging in any type of sexual activity without the explicit consent of your partner is sexual assault. If either party is under the influence of alcohol, consent cannot be given. When there is the slightest doubt about whether a person is comfortable with the sexual advance, ask him or her directly and respect his or her limits and response. Otherwise, you are pressuring that person to do something against his or her will, and you could guilty of committing rape.

Free and Confidential Services for Sexual Assault Survivors

Peace River Center Victim Service advocates will respond within one hour to local hospitals to provide survivors of sexual assault with resources. We help sexual violence survivors with paperwork and provide clothing, flip flops and emotional support. For survivors age 18 and up, we also offer a forensics exam alternative at our office rather than the local ER. Our compassionate, professionally trained sexual violence advocates are standing by 24-hours a day to help you. Just call Peace River Center Victim Services at 863.413.2707.

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