Assault Prevention and Intervention
The YWCA of Silicon Valley Rape Crisis Center currently offers programs about date rape, dating violence, sexual harassment, and self-esteem. We are always developing new programs to meet the needs of the community. Training and education are crucial steps in crisis intervention.
Prevention information and education programs can be scheduled for community organizations, colleges/universities, business and industry, social service agencies, neighborhood crime prevention meetings, senior citizen groups, church groups. Additionally, in-service training for the professional community on the issues of victimology, identifying and reporting of child sexual abuse, and crisis intervention are available.
Protection and Safety Tips:
- Educate yourself about the realities of sexual assault. Knowledge can be a powerful tool in abuse prevention!
- Argue against dangerous gender roles and stereotypes that can lead to and perpetuate sexual violence.
- Believe in your right to make choices and decisions about your body and to have those decisions respected.
- Trust your instincts. Pay attention and listen to your "inner voice" that tells you when something is wrong or feels unsafe.
- Communicate physical and sexual boundaries clearly and assertively. Your body belongs to you. You never lose the right to say "no" and can withdraw your consent in a sexual situation at any time.
- Be cautious when choosing to use alcohol or drugs, as they can increase the risk of sexual violence.
- Get involved and participate in the movement against sexual violence.
- Know that sexual assault is never the victim's fault, regardless of the situation they were in.