Sexual Assault Awareness Tips
I ran across a card from the National Sexual Assualt Hotline with some helpful tips on it and decided to post them online in the hopes that it would help someone, anyone. Please read these and keep them in the back of your mind. As I come across more helpful tips I will post them.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Sexual Assault
What to do if You Are Sexually Assaulted
* Look out for your friends. Share class and social schedules. Be sure your friends know how to reach your family and your family has their contact info.
* Stay in a group. Don't be alone with someone you don't know or trust.
* Don't leave your drink unattended - it could be drugged.
* Know where emergency phones are, what parts of campus are well-lit, and where people hang out. Use a shuttle at night; avoid shortcuts.
* If drinking might have impaired your judgement - or your partner's judgement - say no for now; you can always reconsider tomorrow.
* Communicate your limits firmly and directly. If you say no, say it like you mean it. Be loud and clear, and be firm - in body language as well as words.
* Trust your instincts. Don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason.
* Find a safe environment away from your attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you. And, remember, it's not your fault you were attacked.
* Preserve evidence of the attack. Though you may want to, do not bathe or brush your teeth. Do not wash or get rid of any of the clothing that you were wearing. Write down as many details as you can recall.
* Report the assault to police. A counselor can help you through the process.
* Seek medical attention. Even if you don't think you're injured, it's important to test for STD's and pregnancy. Ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam and, if you think that you have been drugged, collect a urine sample for analysis by a lab.
* Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. The hotline, operated by RAINN, provides free, confidential counseling, 24/7.
Tips for Men
* Be a friend, not a bystander. Get involved if you see someone at risk. You might save a friend from becoming  victim of sexual assault - or from committing one.
* Know your sexual limits. Communicate them clearly. Listen to your partner. If the situation is unclear, ask.
* There are many ways to communicate a refusal - both verbally and non-verbally. Pay attention to words and body language.
* Alcohol and drugs are not an excuse - or an alibi. You are responsible for your actions, no matter what you have ingested.