Untitled Document

Preventing Sexual Assault

At home, keep doors and windows locked.
When moving into a house or apartment, change or re-key all locks.
If door keys have been lost, change locks or re-key immediately.
When returning home, have your keys ready and enter the house as quickly as possible.
If you sense that something suspicious, do not go into your home or apartment. Call the police.
Avoid going out alone at night.
Do not leave clubs or night spots with strangers or invite them to your home.
Do not give your name, phone number or address to an unknown telephone caller.
Never give an unknown caller reason to think you are home alone.
Hang up on obscene or harassing phone calls.
If harassing calls persist, blow a whistle loudly into the mouthpiece to discourage the caller.
Log harassing phone calls with the date, time, and what was said and heard in each call.
If threatening or obscene calls persist, report them to the police.
In elevators, stand near the control panel and familiarize yourself with the emergency buttons.
Look inside the elevator to be certain no one is hiding inside before getting on.
If a suspicious person comes onto the elevator, get off immediately.
Do not take the elevator if a suspicious person is waiting with you. Wait for the next elevator.
If you are attacked in the elevator, push the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.
While walking, do not overload yourself with packages and keep your hands free.
Vary your daily routine and routes taken.
Avoid walking alone at night.
Walk on busy, well-lighted streets.
Avoid walking near thick bushes, alley entrances, hidden/private driveways.
Avoid dark areas such as parking lots and parks.
Carry a whistle to use in order to get assistance in case you are attacked.
If a car approaches and the driver bothers you, walk in the opposite direction.
If you arrive home by taxi or with a friend, ask them to wait until you are safely inside.
Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.