Although you cannot guarantee that you will not be a victim of sexual assault, you can take precautions to minimize your risk. It is important to remember, however, that the rapist is the one who has committed the crime, and no woman ever asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted, regardless of her behavior, alcohol consumption, actions, or dress.

1. Set personal sexual activity limits and stick to them. Be clear about what you are not comfortable with.

2. Be cautious when choosing to be alone with someone you don’t know very well – rape can happen anywhere, even in a bedroom with 50 people in the next room

3. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended – it only takes a drop or two of a date rape drug to have an effect on you.

4. Limit alcohol consumption – it makes it harder to make judgment calls about your situation if you’re drunk.

5. Be independent and aware. If you’ve just met someone, go on a group or double date, or meet in a public place and have your own transportation.

6. Always leave word with a friend or roommate about where you are going and when you expect to return.

7. Trust your instincts. If your gut feeling tells you something is wrong, listen – it probably is.

8. Be careful and alert when you invite someone into your home and when you are invited into someone else’s – these are the places where sexual assault is most likely to occur.