45 REDUCING RISKS Risk reduction information provides students and employees along with other individuals with options designed to decrease perpetration and bystander inaction. Moreover, information on risk reduction increases empowerment for victims in order to promote safety and to help individuals, our TAMIU community, and other communities to address conditions that facilitate acts of violence. Personal safety habits directly translate to campus safety habits by changing the mindset of all members of our community to be engaged in and with what is happening around them. - Be aware of your surroundings. - Walk with purpose. - Trust your instincts. - Make sure your cell phone is with you. - When you go to social gatherings, go with a group of friends. - Don?t leave your drink unattended. - Don?t accept drinks from people you don?t know or trust. - Watch out for your friends. - Have your friends watch out for you. - If you suspect you or a friend have been drugged, contact law enforcement immediately. - Try to think of an escape route. If you need to get out of an uncomfortable or unpleasant situation here are some things you can try: a. Remember that being in this situation is not your fault. You did not do anything wrong, it?s the person who is making you uncomfortable that is to blame. b. 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. c. Lie. 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. BYSTANDER INTERVENTION AND RISK REDUCTION Everyone has a role in changing community knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. Change happens as each person is able to identify risky situations and take action to confront, interrupt, or prevent acts of sexual violence. Bystander intervention programs can help individuals observe a situation and determine an appropriate intervention where someone could use some help. Bystander intervention means just that; people taking care of others. If you find a friend in a situation that concerns you, consider the following strategies to intervene safely and effectively: - Create a distraction to interrupt the flow of events - Involve others to help you - Make an excuse to remove a friend from the situation - Point out the unwanted behavior in a safe and respectful manner - Call for help, if needed Sexual assault is never a victim?s fault. However, there are ways that may reduce the risk of being sexually assaulted including being prepared, alert, and assertive. Consider the following tips: - Be aware of your surroundings - Practice responsible drinking; alcohol is a factor in many sexual assaults - Never leave your drink unattended - Don?t accept drinks from someone you don?t know or trust - Stay with your friends and make sure your friends stay with you - Be careful of online relationships - Trust your instincts We are reminded to think about relationships, specifically relationships that may be, or become abusive. Be aware of the signs: - Is one of the partners verbally and emotionally abusive? - Is one of the partners isolating the other from friends and family? - Is one of the partners controlling, intimidating or always jealous? - Is there a threat of harm?
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