What is Sexual Violence? > Victims

Victims

Anyone can be a victim of sexual violence. It is important to remember that sexual violence is never the fault of the victim.

Offenders consciously and deliberately choose victims.

Individuals may do certain things to reduce their risk of being victimized, but potential victims cannot stop sexual violence from occuring.

If one individual is able to deter an offender, that offender may choose to target someone else. Only offenders can choose to not commit sexual violence.

To truly PREVENT sexual violence, to keep sexual violence from occuring, requires the involvement of everyone. To learn more about how you and your community can work to end sexual violence visit our How can I prevent sexual violence? section.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and would like some support or assistance, please visit our Help For Victims section.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of becoming a target of sexual violence.

• Set sexual and relationship limits and clearly communicate them to your partner.
• Be assertive about your wants and needs. (Assertiveness is not the same thing as coercion or force.)
• Listen to and trust your intuition and "gut feelings."
• Notice your own fears.
• Be cautious in a new place. While you don't want to become paranoid, too much trust can be dangerous.
• Consider paying your own way on dates.
• Don't let someone into your home who you don't feel comfortable being assertive with.
• Be very aware of your limits when drinking or using drugs.
• Open, mix, and pour your own drinks.
• Don't share or exchange drinks with anyone.
• Don't drink from a container that is being passed around.
• Don't drink from a punch bowl or beer-bong.
• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Choose drinks that you are familiar with.
• Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance.
• Don't assume that your friends are looking out for you or can protect you from harm.
• If you must drink or do drugs, do so in moderation.

Remember, no matter what you do (or don't do), it is NEVER your fault if you are sexually assaulted!!