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Rape Prevention: Practical Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Sexual Assault

May 24, 2025 0

The evening breeze was just beginning to cool the air in Lagos as Funke hurried home from her extra lesson. It was later than usual, and the familiar street, usually bustling with life, felt quieter, dimmer. As she neared her gate, a shadow detached itself from a parked car. Before she could react, a hand clamped over her mouth, pulling her into the narrow space between two buildings. The world tilted, her heart hammered, and a cold dread seized her. In those terrifying moments, Funke wished she had noticed the car earlier, wished she hadn’t been so lost in thought about her upcoming exams, wished she had walked a different way. She fought, screamed into the hand, but the darkness was overwhelming.

Funke’s story, tragically, is not unique. Sexual assault is a grave violation, leaving deep scars that can last a lifetime. While the blame for such heinous acts lies solely with the perpetrator – always the perpetrator – empowering ourselves with knowledge and practical safety measures can significantly reduce risk and enhance personal security. This guide provides actionable steps for women in Nigeria to navigate their daily lives with greater confidence and awareness, aiming to prevent such horrifying incidents from ever happening.

1. Boost Your Situational Awareness: “Shine Your Eyes”

This isn’t about being paranoid, but about being present and observant. Think of it as “shining your eyes” – being fully alert to your environment.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Whether you’re walking through a busy market, waiting for a Keke Napep, or navigating a quiet street, pay attention. Who is around you? Are there any potential escape routes? Is anyone acting suspiciously? Avoid being overly engrossed in your phone, listening to music with both earphones, or carrying so many things that your awareness is compromised. Your focus should be on your immediate environment.
Trust Your Gut Instinct: That uneasy feeling you get about a person, a place, or a situation? Listen to it. Your intuition is a powerful, innate safety tool. If something feels “off,” it probably is. Don’t second-guess yourself, and don’t worry about being rude or hurting someone’s feelings; your safety is paramount. Excuse yourself from the situation immediately, even if it feels awkward.
Project Confidence: Predators often target those who appear distracted, vulnerable, or hesitant. Walk with purpose, head up, and make eye contact where appropriate. A confident demeanor can make you seem less like an easy target and more like someone who is aware and capable.

2. Master Your Boundaries & Communication

Your voice is a powerful tool. Knowing how to use it effectively can deter potential threats.

Learn to Say “No” Firmly: This applies to unwanted advances, uncomfortable conversations, or requests that make you uneasy. Be clear, assertive, and don’t hesitate to remove yourself if your “no” isn’t respected. Your personal space and comfort are non-negotiable.
Communicate Your Plans: Always let a trusted friend, family member, or partner know where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to return. Whether you’re going to a friend’s place, a new market, or a job interview, share these details. Utilize features like sharing your live location via WhatsApp or other apps, especially when going to new places or meeting new people for the first time.
Establish a “Code Word”: Create a secret word or phrase with a close friend or family member that you can use in a text or call if you’re in an unsafe situation and need urgent help without alarming those around you. For example, a simple “Did you remember to buy the ‘pineapple’?” could signal you need them to call you back urgently and pretend there’s an emergency.

3. Smart Strategies for Home and Public Spaces

Safety extends to every environment you inhabit and move through.

Home Security is Key: Ensure all doors and windows have strong, working locks. If you live in a shared apartment, be cautious about who has access to spare keys. Beyond the front door, consider additional security measures like sturdy gates, burglar bars on windows, and proper lighting around your entrance and compound, especially at night.
Cautious Commuting: When using public transport like a Keke Napep or Danfo, try to sit near the driver or conductor, especially in taxis. Avoid entering empty buses or taxis, particularly at night. If you’re using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt, always verify the driver’s name and vehicle details (plate number, make, model) against what’s on the app before getting into the car.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stick to well-lit, populated areas, particularly after dark. Avoid shortcuts through unlit alleys, deserted bush paths, or lonely streets, even if it seems like it will save time. The risk is simply not worth it.
Travel with a Companion: If possible, walk with a friend, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas. There is significant safety in numbers, and an accomplice can deter potential attackers.

4. Navigating Social Situations Safely

Enjoying yourself should never compromise your safety. Being vigilant in social settings is crucial.

Guard Your Drink: Never leave your drink unattended at a bar, party, or restaurant, even for a moment. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and if you have any doubt about a drink’s safety, do not consume it. Drink spiking is a real and dangerous threat.
Know Your Limits: Excessive consumption of alcohol or other substances can significantly impair your judgment, reduce your awareness, and make you much more vulnerable to exploitation and assault. Stay in control of your faculties.
Stick With Your Crew: If you go out with a group of friends, stick together throughout the event. Look out for each other, and ensure no one is left behind or goes home with someone they don’t know well or feel uncomfortable about. Have a plan for how you’ll all get home safely.
Trust Your Instincts (Social): If a party, gathering, or date feels off, or if someone is making you uncomfortable with their words or actions, don’t hesitate to leave. Don’t worry about being “polite” or causing a scene. Your personal safety and comfort come first.

5. Empowerment Through Self-Defense (When Necessary)

While prevention is the primary goal, knowing how to react in a physical confrontation can be life-saving.

Consider Self-Defense Training: Learning basic self-defense moves can significantly boost your confidence and provide practical skills to create an escape opportunity if physically confronted. Look for reputable classes in your area that teach effective techniques.
Use Your Voice: If attacked, scream loudly – “No!” “Help!” “Fire!” – to startle the attacker, draw attention, and potentially deter them. A loud, unexpected noise can be a powerful disrupter.
Target Vulnerable Areas: If physical defense becomes necessary, aim for vulnerable points on the attacker’s body to incapacitate them temporarily. These include the eyes, nose, throat, groin, or knees. The goal is to create enough pain and distraction to give you a window to escape.
Improvised Weapons: Everyday items like your keys (held between fingers), a sturdy pen, or even a heavy handbag can be used as improvised weapons to create distance and an opportunity to flee. Use them as tools to strike or create a barrier.
The Goal is Escape: Remember, the primary objective in a physical confrontation is to escape to safety, not to “win” a fight. Your life and well-being are paramount.

Important Reminder:

It is crucial to reiterate that sexual assault is never the victim’s fault, under any circumstances. These tips are about empowering women with tools to reduce their risk and enhance their personal security. They are not intended to shift blame onto survivors, nor do they imply that if these steps are not followed, one is responsible for an assault.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, please reach out for help. Speak to a trusted family member or friend, contact local law enforcement (e.g., the Nigeria Police Force Gender Unit), or seek support from organizations that assist survivors. You are not alone, and help is available.