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Stay Safe: 50 Practical Tips to Prevent Sexual Assault

05/30/2025
Stay Safe from Sexual Assault

Sexual assault remains a pervasive issue, with 1 in 5 women and 1 in 14 men experiencing an attempted or completed assault in their lifetime, according to a 2023 CDC report. While sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault, taking proactive steps can help reduce your risk and empower you to stay safe. First published in 2008 and updated for 2025, this guide offers 50 practical tips to protect yourself from sexual assault, combining awareness, preparedness, and TBOTECH’s trusted self-defense tools. Let’s build your safety plan together.

50 Expert Tips to Prevent Sexual Assault

These actionable strategies cover daily routines, public spaces, and emergency responses to help you stay safe in any situation.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

  1. Avoid Isolated Areas: Stick to well-lit, populated spaces, especially at night. Predators often target secluded spots like empty parking lots or alleys.
  2. Walk in Groups: Travel with friends or coworkers when possible—there’s safety in numbers.
  3. Vary Your Routine: Change your walking or commuting routes regularly to avoid being predictable.
  4. Stay Alert: Keep your head up and scan your surroundings—trust your instincts if something feels off.
  5. Limit Distractions: Avoid using earbuds or scrolling on your phone in unfamiliar or high-risk areas; stay aware of potential threats.

Enhance Your Personal Safety

  1. Carry a Self-Defense Tool: Equip yourself with TBOTECH’s Pepper Spray ($8.95+)—it sprays up to 10 feet, giving you a safe distance to escape.
  2. Organize Your Bag: Keep your self-defense tool in an easily accessible spot, not buried at the bottom of your bag.
  3. Practice with Your Tool: Familiarize yourself with how to use your pepper spray or stun gun—confidence is key in an emergency.
  4. Walk Confidently: Stand tall, make eye contact, and project assertiveness—predators often target those who appear vulnerable.
  5. Dress for Mobility: Wear loose clothing and shoes that allow you to run or fight if needed—avoid restrictive outfits in high-risk situations.

Prevention Starts with Protection

A small tool, big protection

Navigate Public Spaces Safely

  1. Choose Busy Waiting Spots: Wait for buses or rides in well-lit, populated areas—avoid isolated corners.
  2. Position Yourself Strategically: On public transport, sit near the driver or an exit to quickly leave if needed.
  3. Avoid Overcrowded Transport: In rush hour, pick moderately full train cars to reduce the risk of groping or harassment.
  4. Face Traffic While Walking: Walk against traffic to see approaching vehicles and avoid being followed unnoticed.
  5. Stay Sober: Avoid alcohol or substances that impair your judgment—predators target those who seem disoriented.

Protect Yourself in Vehicles

  1. Keep Keys Ready: Have your car keys out before reaching your vehicle—no fumbling at the door.
  2. Lock Doors While Driving: Keep doors and windows locked, especially at stoplights or in unfamiliar areas.
  3. Check Your Car: Before getting in, glance at the back seat and under the car to ensure no one is hiding.
  4. Never Leave It Unlocked: Even for a quick errand—predators can strike in seconds.
  5. Drive Away If Threatened: If someone approaches your car suspiciously, drive away immediately—don’t wait to assess the situation.

Stay Safe in Social Settings

  1. Guard Your Drinks: Never leave your drink unattended—buy your own and watch it to avoid tampering.
  2. Go Out in Groups: Attend events with trusted friends and check in with each other before leaving.
  3. Share Your Plans: Let a friend know your whereabouts and expected return time when going out.
  4. Be Cautious with Strangers: Limit personal information shared with new acquaintances, especially in social settings.
  5. Trust Your Instincts: If someone makes you uncomfortable, leave the situation immediately—don’t second-guess your gut.

Secure Your Living Space

  1. Lock All Entry Points: Always lock doors and windows, even when you’re home—use deadbolts for extra security.
  2. Know Your Neighbors: Build relationships with trusted neighbors who can watch out for unusual activity.
  3. Install a Door Alarm: TBOTECH’s Door Knob Alarm ($10.95) sounds a loud siren if someone tries to enter, deterring intruders.
  4. Hide Valuables: Keep expensive items out of sight from windows to avoid attracting attention.
  5. Request an Escort: If you’re arriving home late, ask a trusted neighbor or security guard to escort you to your door.

Respond to Threats Effectively

  1. Scream and Run: If you feel threatened, yell loudly to attract attention and run toward a populated area.
  2. Use Defensive Moves: If attacked, aim for vulnerable spots—elbow the stomach, kick the groin, or strike the knees to escape.
  3. Carry a Loud Alarm: TBOTECH’s Personal Alarm Keychain ($9.95) emits a 130-decibel siren to scare off attackers and alert others.
  4. Know Emergency Numbers: Memorize 911 or local emergency contacts for quick access in a crisis.
  5. Take Self-Defense Classes: Enroll in a local class to learn techniques for escaping holds and defending yourself.

Stay Safe Online and in Public

  1. Protect Your Online Presence: Avoid sharing your location or routine on social media—predators can track your movements.
  2. Use Privacy Settings: Set your social media profiles to private and be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers.
  3. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid sharing personal information on unsecured networks, which can be exploited by predators.
  4. Vet Ride-Shares or Taxis: Verify the driver’s ID and share your ride details with a friend before getting in.
  5. Avoid Hitchhiking: Never accept rides from strangers—use trusted transportation services instead.

Build Confidence and Awareness

  1. Project Confidence: Walk with purpose and make eye contact—predators are less likely to target someone who appears assertive.
  2. Learn to Say No: Set clear boundaries in social situations and don’t feel pressured to comply with uncomfortable requests.
  3. Stay Physically Prepared: Maintain your fitness to run or fight back if needed—strength can be a deterrent.
  4. Know Safe Havens: Identify nearby businesses, police stations, or friend’s homes where you can seek help if needed.
  5. Educate Yourself: Read up on predator tactics to recognize warning signs early—knowledge is power.

Prepare for Worst-Case Scenarios

  1. Plan Escape Routes: Know the exits in any building or public space you frequent—be ready to leave quickly.
  2. Carry a Stun Gun: TBOTECH’s Stun Guns ($18.95+) provide non-lethal defense, incapacitating attackers so you can escape.
  3. Use a Tactical Pen: TBOTECH’s TBOTECH’s Tactical Pen ($12.95) doubles as a discreet self-defense tool for close encounters.
  4. Share Your Location: In high-risk situations, use apps to share your live location with a trusted contact.
  5. Seek Support: If you feel unsafe, reach out to local resources or hotlines like RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE) for guidance.

Why These Tips Matter

Predators often target perceived vulnerabilities—whether you’re alone, distracted, or unprepared. These 50 tips empower you to reduce those risks by staying aware, prepared, and equipped. While no strategy guarantees safety, combining vigilance with TBOTECH’s self-defense tools can significantly lower your risk of sexual assault. Have additional ideas? Share them in the comments below!

Your Plan to Stay Safe

Sexual assault prevention starts with awareness and preparation. These 50 tips are designed to help you navigate daily life with confidence, knowing you’re equipped to protect yourself. Update your habits, carry TBOTECH’s reliable self-defense tools, and share this guide with others—together, we can create a safer community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I protect myself from sexual assault?

Stay aware of your surroundings, carry a self-defense tool like TBOTECH’s Pepper Spray, avoid isolated areas, and trust your instincts to leave unsafe situations.

What are the best tools to prevent sexual assault?

Pepper spray, stun guns, and personal alarms are effective non-lethal options. TBOTECH’s Personal Alarm Keychain emits a 130-decibel siren to deter attackers.

How can I stay safe from sexual predators online?

Use privacy settings on social media, avoid sharing your location, and be cautious about connecting with strangers online.

Explore More Safety Resources

Learn more about staying safe with these TBOTECH resources:

Comments
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mayre Rodriguez perez 01/25/2023, 11:02 PM

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

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Carol Harris 09/13/2013, 10:15 AM

like this very helpful

N.Brown 07/08/2009, 12:18 AM

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

Roger 05/07/2009, 04:42 PM

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.

Dawn Mular 10/13/2008, 08:24 AM

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.

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EWPLDF 08/16/2008, 01:13 PM

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.

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Mark 08/12/2008, 07:00 PM

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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