The Newport News Police Department’s Special Victims Unit has the following tips to prevent sexual assault:
Online dating
Always meet your online date in public.
Don’t take your date to your home or agree to go to your date’s home.
Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be home.
At Parties/Social Gatherings
Limit your alcohol consumption.
Have a friend and/or your designated driver keep an eye on your interactions and help you make good choices if you become impaired.
If you find yourself uncomfortable, don’t ignore what you feel. That is your first and loudest warning to leave the situation. Don’t freeze or be afraid to "make a scene." A big response creates an opportunity for you to get away and prevent sexual assault.
In Public (Stranger rape is rare, but you should still be prepared.)
Walk with purpose. Offenders look for easy targets.
Keep your head up, and observe your surroundings.
Put away your phone or anything else that will distract you.
Stay alert, and watch for suspicious behavior.
Park in well-lit areas or run errands during the daytime.
Pause before exiting your vehicle, and observe what’s around you.