Risk Reduction & Prevention:

• When we talk about what you can do to stop sexual violence we often use the word prevention.  While we would all like to prevent sexual violence, it is helpful to understand the difference between prevention and risk reduction. 
  • Prevention is stopping the behavior. 
  • Risk reduction is actively taking steps to reduce the likelihood a behavior will happen. 
• Specifically, concerning sexual assault, people can prevent sexual assault by not sexually assaulting someone else, or intervene when an acquaintance is potentially going to engage in non-consensual behavior. 
• Risk reduction is making decisions that will increase the odds of keeping you and your friends safe, like staying in groups when you’re going out, drinking responsibly, and communicating clearly. 
• We need to be clear that if a person drinks too much or doesn’t use the buddy system, that, if she is assaulted, she is not blamed for the crime.  This is called blaming the victim, and no matter what someone is wearing or how much they drank, that person did not cause or ask for the rape.

Tips for prevention and risk reduction:

Don’t leave your drink unattended
Stick with your friends when you’re out
Be aware of your surroundings
Always clearly and assertively say “NO!” when you’re feeling uncomfortable
Don’t believe that “it can’t happen to me” feeling – it’s SO not true
The statistics say that attackers are almost always someone you know, so make sure you trust your instincts – even when it’s with someone you trust
Be aware of body language! Rapists look for vulnerable victims…walk with confidence, attentiveness, and always be aware of what’s going on around you
Women
Make decisions that are going to be more likely to keep you and the people you care about safe.
Men
Men can make the choice to not tolerate unacceptable comments and behaviors from their male peers.