Verbal Self-Defense Against Rape, Sexual Assault

Our voice is frequently our first line of defense in a confrontation. Plus, at least 78% of rapes are committed by somebody we know -- coworkers, neighbors, relatives, boyfriends, husbands. For acquaintance rape, setting clear boundaries is particularly important. A good, loud NO is a valuable weapon.

Sometimes it's not easy to say NO. It may take practice, but it's worth it. You are strong. You can say NO. We all can.

But there's more to NO. We must also say NO to those things in our world that allow rape to happen. If our NO is strong and consistent, the world will hear us. Here are a few examples of ways to make your NO heard:

• Say NO to remarks that put down women, children, sexual minorities, and other vulnerable populations
• Say NO to pictures of women as weak and unable to defend themselves
• Say NO to entertainment that confuses sex and violence
• Say NO to depictions of rape that are sensationalized, minimized, or otherwise offensive
• Say NO to advertising that uses women's bodies to sell goods
• Say NO to laws and politics that don't support ending sexual violence

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