Good manners instilled in us as children can often delay our response to a situation in a way that could prevent an attack. It has been proven time and time again that rape is often preceded by a social situation, whether it be at a bar sharing a drink or on a college campus while attending a party. You may become disturbed by a premonition that a certain situation is potentially dangerous, but your social training emerges, telling you you're perhaps over reacting.

Consider every situation as potentially dangerous. Rely and act upon that instinctual feeling of uncertainty. Do not allow your social manners to prevent you from acting in your own best interest or removing yourself from an unwanted situation.

• Do not automatically assume you will be safe anywhere within the campus boundaries.
• Avoid walking to class alone at night.
• Register valuable items with campus security.
• Let a roommate or friend know where you are going and when you intend on returning.
• It is advised that you not wear headphones when walking or jogging alone.
• When dating someone for the first time, meet the person at a restaurant, movie theater, or crowded location. Do not make yourself dependent upon your date for transportation. It is all too common for a woman to be driven to a secluded location where she is assaulted.
• Avoid taking drugs or drinking alcoholic beverages at parties or with a date. This may hinder your ability to make wise decisions.
• Watch for signs of men who tend to become aggressive or will not take "NO" for an answer, even in nonsexual situations.
• Do not rely strictly upon campus security officers to be there when you need them.

• When entering a public restroom, have someone accompany you. Be defensive, aware, and alert at all times.
• Be careful of setting purses or valuables on the floor when inside of a stall. Items may be quickly snatched from underneath the door or walls.
• If people appear to be congregating in or around the restroom, leave immediately.
• Be especially cautious when using public facilities at:
• service stations
• parks, beaches, and recreational facilities
• fairgrounds and amusement parks
• concerts
• shopping centers
• hospitals
• airports, bus and train stations

• If you travel by bus, subway, or any means of public transportation at night, wait in populated, well-lit areas and keep your back to a wall. This will allow you "peripheral vision".
• Remain alert to any new passengers or unusual behavior.
• If you find yourself on an empty bus, sit near the driver.
• When getting off the bus or subway, check to see who gets off with you. If someone suspicious appears to be following you, head quickly for the nearest busy, well-lit building.
• Do not exit in areas unfamiliar to you.
• When traveling by train, avoid walking about the cabs at odd hours of the night when few people are around.
• If occupying an individual compartment, keep your door locked and be suspicious of anyone knocking at your door.
• During extended layovers in foreign cities, do not feel you must go sightseeing, especially alone. What may be seemingly harmless to you may be the perfect opportunity for a criminal to act.
• Remain cautious in airports. Watch for someone following you before and after you get off of the plane.

The past three chapters stressing safety awareness by means of constructive guidelines have been designed in a comprehensive and positive manner. We have attempted to focus on what you can do as opposed to governing to you what you cannot or should not do. It is not our aim to limit your mobility. Simply, use what is effective for you and disregard what is not. The sole intent of this information is to increase your awareness of the problem, which is the first step in preventing its occurrence.