Pathways Courses - It Won't Happen to Me:

It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women for Anyone Concerned About The Issues

Module 7: Preventing Sexual Assault - Page 7 of 9

The following guidelines come from various sources on battery and sexual assault.^10-12

Stay calm and think. How serious is this guy? What choices do you have?
Is it safe to resist? Is he armed? If not, it is better to scream and claw and kick than to beg, cry, or plead. This is because rape is more about power and control than about sex.
Say "NO" firmly and with force. Do not smile as if you are trying to protect his feelings. Your safety and health are at stake.
Use the word "rape." Often, upon hearing the word, the attacker will realize what he is doing and stop and flee.
Take a look at the situation. Can you escape? Are there people around to help you?
Find a way to get out. If possible, try to distract him, but always make sure first that he is not armed.
Do not shout "HELP." Most people will not respond because they do not want to get involved in someone else's business. Shout "FIRE," which will affect people around you as well.
Lie if you have to. Tell him you have herpes or venereal disease or anything else that he might catch. It may stop him.