Sexual Assault Prevention
Prevention Tips For Women
- Say no if you mean no.
- Be clear, honest and consistent in your verbal and non-verbal communications.
- If you have any concerns, trust your instincts and act accordingly.
- Pay attention to situations that make you uncomfortable and think of ways to decrease potential problems.
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol and/or other drugs.
- Be aware that non-verbal behaviours or actions may be interpreted differently than you intended.
- A woman's intuition may be her best tool for defense. Each situation is different. A woman's response will depend on her assessment of the situation. Safety must come first regardless of her choice, sexual assault is never the victims' fault.
If someone says yes to sexual contact while drunk or high, the law does not view it as having given true consent. Consensual sex requires sober communication without coercion, intimidation or threats.
Prevention Tips For Men
- Understand that forced sex is NEVER acceptable; it is against the law.
- Accept no as no. Don't read other meanings in to that word.
- Know the difference between desire and action. Being sexually aroused does not give you permission to force sex on another person.
- Be responsible for your own sexual limits and actions.
- Realize that spending money on her, dating her for a long time, or previously having sexual intercourse with her does not obligate a woman to have sex with you.
- Don't make assumptions. Just because your date welcomes some sexual contact doesn't mean she wants other types of sexual contact.
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol and/or other drugs.
