Sexual Assault Prevention

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.