Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence


Preventative suggestions:

Be psychologically prepared to protect yourself

If you ever feel uncomfortable in a situation or with a person, remove yourself from that situation.
Be assertive by enforcing your own rights.
Don’t be predictable. This way, you can avoid someone learning your routines and using them against you.
Don’t be afraid to cause a scene if you feel threatened.

At parties or group functions

Don’t ever leave a party with someone you don’t know well.
Alcohol and drugs limit your ability to make good decisions for yourself.
As a female, avoid parties where males greatly outnumber females.
Avoid entering secluded areas in a party, like empty rooms, with an individual you don’t feel comfortable around.
Be mindful when accepting an invitation to someone’s residence or when inviting someone to your own.
Communicate clearly your sexual boundaries with partners and gauge whether a potential partner would disregard these boundaries or not.

At home

Don’t let anyone you don’t know well into your place of residence.
Don’t open the door for someone if you don’t already know who they are.
Always lock your door when you’re asleep or not in the room, even if you’re only gone for a moment.
Avoid isolated areas in your building if you can help it, especially at night.
Never indicate to someone that you are alone.
Use well-lit entrances to your building. Report any burnt out lights to hall staff.
If anything seems unsafe or out of the ordinary at your residence, go to a safe place and call the police.

When walking

Avoid walking alone at night. If you must do so, please use the Safety Escort Service who will safely take to your destination. If they are not available, call ASU Police and they will escort you.
Safety Escort Service: (480) 965-1515
ASU Police (480) 965-3456

If you must walk alone, stay in well-lit areas away from alleys, bushes, entryways, etc.
Be aware of the ASU Blue-Light Emergency Call Boxes and where they are on your route.
Walk confidently and with purpose at a steady pace.
Be mindful of your surroundings to notice if you’re being followed.
If you do get into trouble, attract attention to yourself in any way you can.