50 Ways to Keep Yourself Safe from Sexual Assault

03/11/2025
Stay Safe from Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a real threat—over 1 in 3 women face it in their lifetime, per CDC stats. You don’t have to be a victim. First shared here in 2008 and refreshed for 2025, these 50 tips arm you with practical ways to protect yourself from predators. Stay vigilant, confident, and ready—here’s how to stay safe without losing your spark.

50 Expert Tips to Prevent Sexual Assault

  1. Avoid Isolated Spots: Stay out of dark, lonely areas—day or night.
  2. Stick to Crowds: Walk in well-lit, busy places—predators avoid witnesses.
  3. Vary Your Routes: Change your commute daily to dodge trackers.
  4. Skip Parking Lot Lingering: Get in your car and go—don’t wait around.
  5. Limit Late Hours: Avoid working late—quiet nights invite trouble.
  6. Speak Firmly: Use a steady voice to deter gropers—show strength.
  7. Organize Your Bag: Keep pepper spray or a knife handy, not buried.
  8. Master Your Weapon: Train with it—practice makes it effective.
  9. Carry Protection: Always have a self-defense tool on you.
  10. Know Your Weak Spots: Strengthen knees or arms for a fight.
  11. Stay Alert: Watch for odd vibes—paranoia can save you.
  12. React Fast: Quick reflexes beat skills if you’re caught off-guard.
  13. Hide Jewelry: Flashy items signal a target—keep them stashed.
  14. Never Hitchhike: Stranger rides are traps—find safer options.
  15. Walk Confidently: Head up, no fear—look unapproachable.
  16. Make Eye Contact: Lock eyes with strangers—it spooks predators.
  17. Wait Smart: Pick busy, lit spots for buses or rides.
  18. Sit Strategically: On buses, stay near the driver or door.
  19. Avoid Corners: Take aisle seats—don’t get boxed in.
  20. Choose Full Trains: Late-night? Pick the busiest car.
  21. Avoid Packed Trains: Rush hour? Moderately full cars reduce groping.
  22. Keys Ready: Have them out before reaching your car—no fumbling.
  23. Lock Up Driving: Doors and windows shut at stops.
  24. Check Your Car: Peek in the back seat and under—quickly.
  25. Never Leave It Unlocked: Even for a minute—predators are fast.
  26. Scream and Run: If threatened in your car, make noise and bolt.
  27. Ignore Tire Tricks: Keep driving unless it’s a cop—scams lure you out.
  28. Limit Helping: Roadside strangers? It’s a risk—pass by.
  29. Ask Trusted Help: Need an escort? Pick someone reliable.
  30. Stay Sharp in Lots: No phone distractions—scan your surroundings.
  31. Vet Taxis: Check IDs, share plate numbers with a friend.
  32. Watch Central Locks: Be wary—locked in? Trouble’s brewing.
  33. Call Taxis: Book ahead—street hails are dicey.
  34. Face Traffic: Walk against cars to spot followers—avoid glare.
  35. Reverse If Followed: Car tailing you? Run the other way.
  36. Ditch Earbuds: Music blocks alerts—keep ears open.
  37. Know Neighbors: Build safe havens along your route.
  38. Assume Nothing: Even safe areas turn bad—stay cautious.
  39. Dial Smart: In a phone booth, call then turn—watch your back.
  40. Use the Booth: Whack with the phone or trap them in the door.
  41. Wear Loose Gear: Skip tight skirts or heels—be able to move freely.
  42. Dress Down: Avoid flashy outfits—don’t draw the wrong eyes.
  43. Stay Sober: No booze or sugar crashes—keep your senses sharp.
  44. Guard Drinks: Buy your own—slipped pills end badly.
  45. Fight Smart: Elbow or kick (groin, knees)—then run fast.
  46. Lock Your Home: Every door, every window—always.
  47. Go in Groups: Events? Stick with buddies—check in after.
  48. Know 911: Memorize emergency numbers cold.
  49. Trust Your Gut: Bad feeling? Act on it—stress dulls instincts.
  50. Take Classes: Self-defense training turns tips into skills.

Prevention Starts with Protection

A small tool, big protection

Why These Tips Work

Predators target vulnerability—alone, distracted, or unprepared. These 50 steps flip that: stay visible, armed, and assertive. From stun guns to street smarts, you’re building a shield. Got more ideas? Share below!

Your Plan to Prevent Sexual Assault

Sexual assault isn’t your fault—but prevention’s in your hands. These 50 ways keep you safe without dimming your life. Update your habits, grab gear from TBOTECH, and spread the word—safety’s power.

FAQ

  • How do I protect myself from sexual assault? Stay alert, carry pepper spray, avoid isolation.
  • What stops predators? Confidence, crowds, and quick reactions.
  • Best defense tool? Pepper spray or stun gun—easy and effective.

Related: 10 Things Rapists Look For | Shop Self-Defense Weapons

Comments

today's message is that men and women get groped fondled or sexually abused and its not no joke and men also get sexually harrased men also get raped men also go through emotional abuse men also go through stalking and out of control jealousy is also abusive i got stalked and followed around in a store by a creepy old man insisting on having sex with me in exchange for money this man was crazy he said he wanted to marry me when he is 90 years old this man is crazy he said my body was so good and that he wanted to enjoy making love to me when he barely even knows me and all of this happened in a cardenas store near me and ps. they don't have no security guards that work to keep creeps like this from bothering women who want nothing to do with them and it is ridiculous because in the Mexican they say that a woman has to withstand the abuse or else she is not a strong woman that she is a weak woman in fact no women or men should ever have to tolerate or withstand any type of abuse its not fine its not ok and it is a bleeping crime to be abusive to others and those people should go to jail for their crimes because abusers will never change for nobody and they will never stop abusing the people around them they will always promise to change but the fact is that they are not willing to change their abusive ways for no one like the saying says once an abuser always an abuser once a criminal always a criminal once a smoker always a smoker once a wife beater always a wife beater these people can only change if they want to change with god's help

MoreLess

like this very helpful

I feel that the # 1 resource a person has for self defense is education/knowledge….you provide this in your blog…kudos to you.

Nelson

Thanks for a great blog. There are many good tips to keep in mind. In reference to number nine, an expandable steel baton is an easy to care self defense weapon. With training and practice an expandable steel baton can give you a distinct advantage if confronted.

This is a practical blog with great things to think about. As a survivor of a violent sexual assault, I try to use my survival story as encouragement to others who have had the unthinkable happen, and had to come to terms with it.

My assault happened in my home, and at the time would not have been available, but this tip could be useful for medical emergencies or to signal alarm.. Today most cars have the remote alarms, and it has way more use than just locking and unlocking your car. Keep your purse or car keys on your night stand whether in a hotel room or home. If something happens in the middle of the night, you can press the car alarm to scare off someone trying to break in– when you are worried that the call for help alone might not be enough.

MoreLess

Regarding Weapons:
Only carry them if you know how to use them, practice with them and keep them properly maintained. If you get close, it’s pretty easy to disarm someone unless they really know how to use their weapon, and this means an unskilled person could be donating their weapon to the attacker. People should be armed, but they should definitely learn how to retain their weapon and be able to use it to their advantage.

Regarding eye contact:
A defense minded person neither seeks nor avoids eye contact unless dealing with a person in moderate proximity. Eye contact creates a connection with other people, often inviting interaction. For example, think what happens when you meet the eyes of a sales person, pamphleteer, petitioner or pan handler. Immediately they will call out to you, approach you or ask you to come to them, and then ask you for something. If you maintain physical distance and do not seek distant eye contact, they are more likely to bother someone else. That being said, never be seen as deliberately avoiding eye contact, as that appears weak and fearful. I think it best to return eye contact only if it is offered by someone else or if you are nearing reaching distance of someone else.

Eye contact during combat:
If you are in a position where you are about to fight someone, and are not an extremely experienced fighter, do not look into your target’s eyes immediately before attacking. A skilled fighter will see your pupils change size a half second before your throw your combative, giving them more time to block and counter attack.

Finally, the advice on #45 may be slightly off the mark. If you hurt your attacker or bring them down, hurt them again for good measure while they are less able to block. If I am a smaller, less skilled or less fit person and manage to land a lucky attack that knocks a mugger off balance for a second, chances are the mugger will get angry, chase me and catch me if I immediately flee. If my first attack seems to work, I would follow it up with a more debilitating attack to make sure that they can’t chase me. If you kick a mugger in the crotch and he doubles over for a second, kick him in the knee, punch his throat, etc. If he goes down, stomp on or kick something and make sure he doesn't instantly bounce up, chase you down and then wreak vengeance upon you. If someone is worth hitting once, they are worth hitting until you are sure that they can no longer threaten you. That brief moment when they are off balance might be your one and only chance to finish them off before they get you.

MoreLess

Pepper spray is easy to carry and easy to use. A pocket stun gun is easy to carry, but requires direct contact with the attacker. Taser devices are more difficult to conceal and very effective up to 15 feet away, if used properly. No matter what your weapon of choice, buy from your products from a reputable dealer that sells top quality products and then learn how to use them, before you need to use one.

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