Are You Safe?
Feeling Unsafe?
Sometimes you can do everything right to prevent an assault and still find yourself in an unsafe situation. If this happens, do your best to cope with it. What helps one person may not help another.
- Stay Calm. Your best defence is your own intelligence. If you panic, you will be confused and won't be able to think. If you try to keep "cool", as hard as it may be, you will be more able to think, wait for the right moment, and then make a move to get away. It's sometimes possible to talk your way out of a situation by looking someone straight in the eye and voicing how you feel assertively.
- Use Self Defence. In some situations it may be helpful to try and defend yourself. With the right training, you can learn skills in self-defence to make the right move in a threatening situation and get away. Remember that every situation is different, so knowing if and when to fight back is important. Call your local Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre, Community Centre or YMCA to check out recommended courses on self-defence.
- Get Help. If you instincts say that you are unsafe, turn to others for help, even if it means making a scene. If you have been assaulted, don't hide it. Get immediate medical help and support from others.
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