How to Prevent and Survive a Sexual Assault

Tips for Women

Rebecca Rosenburg
I have discovered that many women aren't aware of the many ways they can protect themselves from assault. These tips will include ways to avoid the danger as well as ways to prevent being raped if you have been unable to avoid a confrontation.

Tip 1- When you go "out on the town" try to bring a friend along. If you meet someone while out and decide to go home with him (or bring him home) be sure to look at his driver's license or ID first. Write down his name, address, and DL number and give this info to your friend. If the guy was even thinking of assaulting you, he will likely think twice now that he knows you have the personal information on him to turn over to the police. I have done this, and once turned a guy down when he refused to give up his license. Guys will laugh maybe, but your safety is worth it.

Tip 2- Let him shoot you. Many stranger abductions and assaults start with the man threatening the woman with a gun- "get in the car or I'll shoot you". Run. Think about it this way- would you rather get in the car with the guy and endure whatever rape and/or torture he has in mind or run and risk getting shot. Me, I'd run and let him shoot. Most of the time he won't bother shooting as this would attract the attention of other people in the vicinity. Besides, if you go with him you have a high chance of being killed anyway.

Tip 3- Pay attention to "red flags". Most rapes are considered "date rape" because the victim was well acquainted with the attacker. When dating someone, pay attention to how they treat you and other women. Does your date speak about women in a derogatory manner? When he does something that makes you feel uncomfortable does he stop or does he think it is funny to continue? Do his actions or words warn you that he thinks himself superior to you? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it is probably time to get out of the relationship.

If you do end up in a situation where a man is threatening to sexually assault you, or he has already begun to do so, there are several things you can do to try to stop him.

Tip 1- Tell him all about your STDs. You have many to choose from- AIDS, syphilis, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, or maybe you now have them all.

Tip 2- Be crazy. I know of a woman who escaped being raped by mooing like a cow and eating grass. Do and say things totally off the wall crazy and maybe you'll freak him out enough he'll take off.

Tip3- Don't be afraid to hurt him. If you are carrying a gun or pepper spray- use it! Use your beautifully manicured nails to take out his eyes. You don't know if he intends to kill you after the rape, so use lethal force if necessary.

Tip 4- Use this specific method of pain. When in the act of rape, the man will be exposing his genitals. Grab his penis and testicles in one or both hands. Squeeze very hard and pull them from his body like you were trying to tear them off. This is extremely painful and may give you a chance to run.

The tips I've outlined may help you prevent or escape being assaulted. They may not. If you think your best chance for survival is to not fight, then know that you did your best to survive. If you fight back and cannot stop the assault, know that you did your best to survive. The only person responsible for committing an act of violence is the person who chooses to be violent.

Published by Rebecca Rosenburg

Rebecca Rosenburg is a freelance writer and information specialist. Rebecca has worked in the health care industry for 16 years as a CNA/Caregiver. Rebecca is also an educator with 13 years experience specia...  View profile

13 Comments

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  • Rebecca Rosenburg12/18/2010

    Charisma- Talking to your parents is the best thing you can do. If you are scared or embarrassed to talk to them, a school counselor is another good choice. If talking to someone in person is just too hard, call 1-800-4-A-CHILD. They can tell you what to do, and help you.

    It is never okay for a boy to touch you sexually without your permission. Please talk to someone who can help you.

  • charisma edmisten12/17/2010

    i am 12 and i need this advice because my bf loves to try to touch me in school but none of the teachers do anything. also one of the teachers asked me to stay after school. i did and i told my mom they were having something special. i go to a pblic school. wat should i do if my teacher or bf trys to do tht again.

  • Awsm4all12/16/2010

    More people need to know about these tips. One must always hope for the best and prepare mentally and physically for the worst. And we need to let women who get raped know that they should get a rape kit to identify the rapist ASAP and bring him to justice.

  • Vincent Summers10/8/2010

    One woman successfully avoided being date raped by turning her head, sticking her finger in her throat, and then puking on the guy.

  • Lorraine Yapps Cohen10/7/2010

    I'm well out of the time where I meet men, but this advice carries the wisdom and effectiveness of those who've been there. Thanks for this practical piece. I sincerely hope that all the young ladies exposing themselves to this ever-present danger can employ your tips well to preserve their own safety.

  • Rebecca Rosenburg10/5/2010

    Honey is right. If you are raped, go to the hospital right away and get a rape kit. You don't have to call the police then, but if you decide to report the rape later the evidence will be preserved.

  • Rebecca Rosenburg10/5/2010

    Ms. Apple- Please know- sometimes there is nothing that can be done to prevent an attack. Every woman does the best they can, and the fact that you survived says that you are a strong woman.

  • Honey6/14/2010

    Also, screaming 'FIRE!' Will pull attention. Studies have shown how more people respond to a cry of fire over 'help'.

    I'd also like to recommend;vomitting, picking your nose & eating it, and hear me out... 'enjoying it'. A friend was being attacked & she talked to him about it was her fantasy but she wanted to use some other props & some other things...she ended up biting his penis & was able to get away.

    Sometimes lying still is the best defense too. I was raped, I've taken every self defense course, rape advacate, etc. I froze & felt guilty for a long time. Each persons response/reaction is valid & doesn't mean you 'wanted it'. Rape isn't a crime of passion..it's about control & power over another.

    Please, go straight to the hospital & have a rape kit ran. You don't have to do anything with it, but it's there in case you do decide.

  • Ms. Apple4/25/2009

    I have been raped more than 5 times i wish i had this info

  • Christine Tetreault7/21/2008

    May I add - do your best to find and use your LOUDEST most FORCEFUL voice possible to alert anyone who might be near enough to hear and possibly to convince your attacker that you are not going down silently. I took a Model Mugging course years ago. So valuable to think and prepare ahead of time for possible reality. Thank you for this important article.

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