10 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Committing Rape
In the United States, sexual assault occurs every 68 seconds. Ninety percent of adult rape survivors are women. On college campuses, 26% of female undergraduate students experience sexual assault.
Between 2013 and 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded over $15 million in “grants to reduce violent crime against women on campus.” Their 55-page congressional report includes grantee details, program summaries, and demographic information about sexual assault victims.
Like this report, most studies of sexual assault in America are victim-centric. Articles on rape prevention advise readers to “be aware of your surroundings,” “always have a plan,” and “protect your drink.”
Victim-centric prevention strategies belie the reality that 93% of sexual assaults are carried out by people that victims know.
One study of sexual assaults on female college students found that up to 91% of victims “could not be differentiated from nonvictims.” In other words, these students’ risk of sexual assault was not related to any personal characteristics, behavior patterns, etc.
From 2015 to 2021, there was a 25% increase in the number of sexual assaults on U.S. college campuses. This rate of increase calls for innovation in efforts to prevent sexual assault.
New organizations like “Men Who Can Stop Rape” are answering this call in programs designed to promote nonviolence. Institutions like MCSR focus on education and advocacy geared to stop sexual assault before it happens.
Individuals at a high risk of perpetrating sexual violence can take steps to reduce this risk. This article will explore 10 different ways these individuals can reduce their risk of committing rape. Keep reading to learn about risk factors, what you can do to promote nonviolence, and more.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Committing Rape
1. Be a woman
Research shows that the best way to reduce your risk of committing rape is probably to be a woman.
In the United States, over 92% of sexual assault perpetrators are men. Of these perpetrators, their average age was 37 years old. About 52% of reported offenders are White; 22%, Black; 13%, Hispanic; and 12%, Native American.
Of sexual abuse offenders, around 96% are U.S. citizens. And over 75% of perpetrators are White in cases that involve child pornography.
Being a woman may be the most effective way to reduce your risk of committing rape. But since gender is not a choice, but an innate part of each individual’s identity, let’s take a look at other ways to reduce your risk of perpetrating sexual violence.
2. Don’t Live in Texas
Sexual violence researchers have long known that rates of sexual assault vary by location. In the United States, the highest number of forcible rapes each year occur in Texas.
After Texas, California and Florida report the highest number of forcible rapes in America.
Individuals who believe they may be at risk of perpetrating sexual violence may consider moving away from areas with higher rates of sexual assault. Living in an environment with fewer instances of sexual assault may decrease an individual’s risk of committing rape in some cases.
3. Limit Drug and Alcohol Intake
Many studies have identified drug and alcohol intake as a risk factor for committing sexual assault. In one study of rape among female college students, 74% of perpetrators had consumed alcohol before the assault.
In another study, researchers found that drinking more heavily increases the risk of committing rape among male college students.
These researchers also noted that “men’s attendance at parties and bars may increase the risk of sexual assault.” As such, individuals concerned about their risk of committing rape should consider avoiding social gatherings that involve alcohol. These may include gatherings at:
bars (and restaurants that serve alcohol)
high school or college parties
public festivals and/or parades
local parks
Anyone concerned about their risk of perpetrating sexual assault should speak with a licensed mental health professional for individual healthcare recommendations. And remember, staying home is always an option.
4. Go to Therapy
According to the Centers for Disease Control, individuals who experience abuse during childhood have a higher risk of committing sexual violence themselves.
Individuals who survived childhood trauma should consider speaking with a mental health professional. Talk therapy, medication, and other interventions can all promote healing.
Prior research has found that mental health treatment can reduce the risk that a sex offender will commit future acts of sexual violence. Taking charge of your mental health may help prevent your risk of committing rape.
5. Avoid All-Male Groups
Men who participate in certain all-male peer groups have a higher risk of committing sexual violence. This is especially true in groups that emphasize hypermasculine ideologies and/or behaviors. These may include:
objectifying women
glorifying violence
hostile behavior towards women
Fraternities, athletic teams, religious youth groups, and other all-male groups may reinforce hypermasculine ideas. Consider speaking with current or former group members to learn more before committing to membership.
6. Don’t Let Your Hormones Get the Better of You
Individuals with high levels of testosterone are at a greater risk of perpetrating sexual violence. One study found that men with higher levels of this hormone tend to commit more invasive sexual crimes.
This study also noted that convicted sex offenders with high testosterone levels have a higher risk of reoffending.
The link between high testosterone levels and greater rates of violent crime has been established since the 1970s. Among sexual assault perpetrators, individuals with higher testosterone tend to commit more violent attacks.
Managing your hormones may feel overwhelming at times. But with the right support, it is absolutely possible. Speak with a doctor to learn about hormonal testing options, management strategies, and more.
7. Challenge Gender Stereotypes
According to the CDC, individuals who adhere to traditional gender roles are more likely to commit sexual assault. “Masculine” stereotypes that increase the risk of perpetrating sexual violence may include:
expecting men to exhibit “toughness”
hostility towards woman
suspicion of women
rejecting femininity
projecting social dominance
Challenging these and other traditional gender norms may help reduce rates of sexual assault. Consider taking a course in women’s history, speaking with a counselor, or volunteering at a local domestic violence shelter to learn more.
8. Educate Yourself and Others
Many so-called “rape prevention” programs are designed for victims. These programs may offer self-defense classes or “safety tips.”
Preparing girls and women to defend themselves is an indisputably good idea. But research shows that most perpetrators of sexual assault are well known to their victims.
The vast majority of rapes are committed by friends, acquaintances, family members, and/or intimate partners. These attacks occur in private homes, workplaces, gyms, universities, and other familiar settings.
Encouraging women to avoid dark alleys or solitary walks at night may help prevent a tiny fraction of sexual crimes. But victim-centric rape prevention tips direct undue attention onto victims’ behavior.
In reality, the person whose behavior is responsible for a crime is the perpetrator. Educating individuals at high risk of committing sexual assault may thus be a more effective means of reducing the number of these attacks.
9. Join a Support Group
Support groups offer a safe space to explore past traumas and personal healing. Many local community centers or schools offer support groups at low or no cost.
Individuals with a history of sexual violence, or those at risk of perpetrating sexual crimes, may benefit from speaking with others who share their concerns.
Members of a support group can share advice on self-management strategies. They can also discuss helpful resources, such as local options for mental healthcare.
10. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques can help reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Practicing these techniques regularly may enhance emotional stability and mood regulation.
Individuals concerned about their likelihood of perpetrating sexual violence may consider incorporating mindfulness into their daily routine.
Yoga, meditation, and journaling are all examples of effective mindfulness techniques.
To learn more about what you can do to reduce your risk of committing rape, make sure to consult with a medical professional. If you are in immediate danger of perpetrating sexual violence, call 911. Help is always available.
