The violent and serious crime of rape does not discriminate against its victims, as the act affects all ages, races, social classes, as well as both males and females. Rape can take place at any location and at any time regardless if it is prom night or a quick trip to the grocery store ? you never know when an attacker is lurking for the most opportune moments to strike. Victims range from the na've college freshman to the soccer mom of three to an elderly woman taking a walk in the park.

Most often, victims actually know their attackers, as relatives, neighbors, best friends, and even significant others are capable of committing the crime of rape. Additionally, it is important to know that despite the presence of alcohol, drugs, or a last-minute change of the mind ? vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse without consent is still considered rape. In the end, this physical and emotional crime often feeds off of the possession of power over another.

Rape Prevention Tips

To decrease the chances of encountering a rape attempt, there are many different prevention measures to include within your everyday life. You'd be surprised how many things people take for granted by not remembering some simple tips on how to stay safe on a regular basis. When moving into a new house or apartment, make sure to replace or re-key the locks. Doors and windows should be kept locked at all times in the home. The same is true for cars.

To make you feel more safe, it is best to avoid situations and certain people. It is highly suggested that you seek out the closest police station or head for a public place surrounded by other people, like a gas station, if you feel that you are being followed.

It never hurts to side with your first instinct and if someone makes you feel uncomfortable ? there is nothing wrong with fleeing a potentially dangerous situation. Do not be shy to yell or scream for help or call attention to yourself. Carrying a whistle makes a loud enough noise to alert others.

Sometimes a rapist will corner or trap a victim, which requires them to immediately think of alternative routes of escape or attack. There are both passive and active ways to react when resisting a potential rape. Some individuals are able to think quickly and talk their way out of a threatening situation, where others actively respond to their would-be attackers. They use any item in their reach as protection, including keys, rocks, and self-defense items.

It is suggested to avoid walking alone (even during the day), as pairing up with others or joining a group keeps would-be attackers away. When taking the dog for a walk, it is suggested to visit well-lighted locations, avoiding alleys, bushy walkways, and shortcuts through parks or vacant lots. If a driver stops to obtain information, make sure to keep your distance from the vehicle. If the driver becomes harassing, simply change directions. Hopefully, they will give up and drive away instead of turning the car around, which still gives you time to flee.

Self-Defense Against Rape

In this day and age, people feel much safer when they possess the security that comes with carrying items of self-defense against rape. This often includes selections, such as pepper sprays, stun guns, personal alarms, and tasers. One of the most effective and easy objects to carry along and handle is pepper spray, which is convenient to transport with varying sizes that even fit onto a key chain. Today, an increasing amount of people are turning towards the Internet to explore the wide-range of options of self-defense.