Note: If you need to leave this page quickly, click on escape.
Caution! Computer and Internet activity can be monitored. If you are being abused or stalked it may be safer for you to use a computer a perpetrator does not have access to (e.g., Open Access Lab). If you need to leave this page quickly, click on escape near the top and bottom right of this page and you will be redirected to Google.com. For more information call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) at (800) 799-SAFE (7233), (800) 787-3224 (TTY); or visit the NDVH or CyberAngels online on a safer computer.
Although there is no absolute guaranteed way for you to prevent being abused, sexually assaulted, or stalked (you don't control the behavior of a perpetrator), the suggestions on this page may help you reduce your chances of these crimes being committed against you.
- Be aware of relationship violence warning signs. Does your partner:
- Get excessively jealous?
- Always have to be in control or control what you do?
- Put you down in public or in front of your family?
- Prevent you from being with friends and family?
- Hit you, shove you, slap you, or kick you?
- Follow you or track your whereabouts?
- Monitor your computer or phone use?
- Pressure, force, or drug you to have sex or participate in sexual acts you do not want to do?
- Threaten to commit suicide or to hurt or kill you or others?
- Make you afraid?
- Trust your feelings. If something feels wrong, it probably is. If safe to do so, get out of the relationship/situation. Get help from a hotline. Call '911' if you are in immediate danger.
- Be assertive and speak up. Clearly communicate your feelings, desires, and dislikes to your partner.
- Don't leave clubs, parties, bars, or anywhere else with someone you don't know well.
- Watch out for the rape drugs by watching your drinks (nonalcoholic as well as alcoholic) at clubs, parties, or just hanging out. Rape drugs can be odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Don't accept open drinks or drink from "punch" bowls. Whenever possible, get your drinks directly from a bartender and watch them being made.
- Stay sober and watch out for dates or anyone else who tries to get you drunk or high. A significant number of collegiate sexual assaults are associated with alcohol use by the victim, perpetrator, or both.
- Talk with your friends and dates about sexual assault and other forms of violence.
- Get additional safety tips through the resource links to the left. A few of the campus safety tips found through these links include:
- The National Center for Victims of Crime's College Campus Safety Guidelines and Recommendations
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network's 2008 Back-to-School Tips for Students
If you do find yourself in an abusive relationship, sexually assaulted, or being stalked, you need to know it's not because you did something wrong. You are not to blame for the abusive and violent actions of another person, no matter what he or she may tell you. Help is available. Report criminal activity to the police and get assistance and safety tips from a national hotline or local domestic and sexual violence and stalking treatment center. Call '911' if you are in immediate danger.