Risk reduction means options designed to increase empowerment for victims in order to promote safety and to help individuals and communities address conditions that facilitate violence. With no intent to victim blame and recognizing that only abusers are responsible for their abuse, the following are some strategies to reduce one’s risk of sexual assault or harassment. 

Increase on-campus safety by:

  • Knowing you resources.
  • Staying alert.
  • Be careful when posting you laocation online.
  • Make others earn your trust.
  • Think of a backup plan.
  • Be secure.

Increase safety in social settings by:

  • Making a plan.
  • Protecting you drink.
  • Knowing your limits
  • Knowing it's OK to use an excuse
  • Being a good friend.

Increase feelings of safety after an assault by:

  • Using on-campus resources.
  • Requesting a schedule or houseing change.
  • Accessing community suppport services.
  • Seeking a protection order.
  • Creating a safety plan.

SOURCE: Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network

Additional options to help reduce risk or help remove yourself from a situation you do not feel safe in may include: 

  1. Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
  2. Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
  3. Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
  4. Try not to load yourself down with packages or backpacks as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
  5. Have your cell phone within reach. Establish an Uber or Lyft account.
  6. Don’t allow yourself to be alone with someone you don’t trust, or you don’t know.
  7. Avoid putting music headphones/earbuds in both ears so you are aware of surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
  8. Go to parties or events with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other throughout the evening and leave together.
  9. Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in any situation, go with your gut. If you see something suspicious, contact law enforcement immediately. Call 911 for University Police Department and/or Wichita Police Department. 
  10. Don’t leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the restroom, or making a phone call. If you’ve left your drink, get a new one.
  11. Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know or trust. If you choose to accept a drink, go with the person to the bar to order it, watch it being poured, and carry it yourself. At parties, don’t drink from punch bowls or other large common containers.
  12. Remember that being in this situation is not your fault. You did not do anything wrong, the person who is making you uncomfortable is to blame.
  13. Be true to yourself. Don’t feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to do. “I don’t want to” is always a good enough reason. Do what feels right to you and what you are comfortable with.
  14. Have a code word with your friends or family so if you don’t feel comfortable you can call them and communicate your discomfort without anyone knowing. Your friends and family can come to get you or make up an excuse for you to leave.
  15. If you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings it is better to lie and make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared or worse. Some excuses you could use are needing to take care of a friend or family member, not feeling well, having somewhere else you need to be, etc.
  16. Try to think of an escape route. How would you try to get out of a room? Where are the doors and windows? Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?
  17. If you and/or the other person have been drinking, you can say that you would rather wait until you both have your full judgment before doing anything you may regret later.