These tips might save your life.
Be Aware
- Go out in a group and stay with the people you know
- Always tell someone where you will be going and at what time you expect to return
- Get your own drinks (observe carefully how they are being prepared) and do not leave them unattended
- Don’t get drunk or take drugs
- Know exactly where you are going, and always find out your directions in advance
- Travel with your cellular phone (make sure to have credit)
- Always be alert and aware
- Arrange transport to and from functions in advance
- Know exactly where you car is parked or where you are supposed to meet or get transport
- Drive with all car doors locked and windows closed
- Have your car keys ready when you approach your car
- Women should not travel in cars with men only
- When walking alone, walk on the side of the street which allows you to face oncoming traffic
- If you feel threatened by a car stopping next to you, start running in the same direction that you were originally heading
- Scream loudly as you run away from a would-be assailant
- Do not engage in conversation through the open window of a car with strangers, even to give directions
- Take a self-defence course
- Trust your instincts!
Don’t Fight, Distract
Remember is that you are not trying to fight the attacker, but trying to divert his attention long enough to get away. Here are a few tips:
- Stay calm; do not do anything that will upset the attacker
- Talk to your attacker, showing sympathy and understanding
- Make the attacker see you as an individual, not as an object
- Scream “Fire” or “Police”, or create a disturbance that will attract attention
- Be observant so that you will later be able to identify the assailant
And…
Finally, if you have been sexually assaulted or raped, do NOT change your clothing, shower or douche — your clothes and your body may contain evidence essential to capturing your attacker. Seek medical attention immediately. Report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
Call the 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline: (868) 627 7273
Information provided by:
The Rape Crisis Society of T&T
Also check out our WellnessConnect article on Rape & Domestic Violence in T&T: Reaching Out and Stop Domestic Violence: What To Do