April is National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month: Sexual Assaults Double as Economy Falls

Sexual assaults have little to do with sex and everything to do with power. During tough economic times more people feel powerless and angry: Some will be tempted to compensate by attacking others.

As a rape survivor, I often share my horrifying story of being raped and beaten by two men who held me at gunpoint for two hours in a dance studio. I try to give advice and comfort to others healing from similar experiences.

I also try to put a face on this prevalent problem whose victims are often afraid to speak out. Rape victims run the gamut from college co-eds to the elderly to busy unsuspecting moms. One thing they have in common is that in the aftermath of an assault, they all want to know what they could have done to prevent the attack.

Though it's not always possible to stop an attacker, there are some steps that may reduce the chance of becoming a victim. Many rape survivors say they had a 'funny feeling? before the attack. If your gut tells you something is awry, or you feel frightened, get to a safe place as soon as you can.

Rape Prevention Tips-

? Trust the 'funny feelings? you may get. If someone makes you uneasy, leave ASAP.

? Never drink from punch bowls or accept drinks from anyone other than a bartender or waiter. Avoid excessive use of alcohol.

? Never leave a drink unattended.

? Be aware of your surroundings.

? Communicate your boundaries clearly.

? Don't walk alone at night. If you must, walk in lighted areas, at a quick pace, looking self-assured.

? Keep one hand free when carrying packages.

? Avoid dark, empty places where you can be cornered.

? Listen for footsteps. Turn around if you think you are being followed. Cross the street. Run to an area where there are people.

? Have door and car keys ready before you reach your destination.

? Avoid walking alone if you are tired, distracted, upset or under the influence of any substance which may impair your action.

? Monitor your friends. If someone has over indulged, make sure no one takes advantage of them.

Even if you follow every precaution and safety tip, you may one day find yourself in a life-or-death situation with an attacker. If so, there are few things to know:

? With a violent rape, when the assailant has a weapon, you have a 20-second window to escape, scream or fight.

? If your attacker has a gun and you are not under his control, always run. The chance of him hitting you are 4-in-100 and even then, if he hits you, it most likely will not be in a major organ.

? When running from an attacker with a gun, your best bet is not to run straight, but in a zigzag motion. That way, if your attacker shoots, he's aiming at a moving target whose pattern he can't grasp.

? If someone puts a gun to your head in your car, don't drive off, gun the engine and speed into anything. The airbag will save you. As soon as the car crashes, bail out and run.

Susan Lee-Titus is the author of THE DANCER RETURNS: From Victim to Victory, the remarkable true story of how one woman refused to remain a victim. For more information go to http://www.thedancerreturns.com