ae606 3/18/96

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              Safety Tips for gay men & lesbians

There are certain risks involved with lesbian & gay identified
activities. This provides tips on things to keep in mind and how to
best protect yourself should a problem arise and to help yourself safer 
by reducing the risks.
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                          USE COMMON SENSE

*Try to leave bars/clubs/community centers with people - preferably 
 friends
*If you leave with someone you've just met, introduce him or her to 
 a friend or even the bartender. Make sure that person knows you`ve 
 told other people you`re leaving together.
 *If you`re unsure about leaving with someone-don`t
 *When at known lesbian and gay establishments, be alert and be    
  aware of your surroundings. Don`t assume you`re in a safe place.
 *Walk on well lit streets where there are people and traffic
 *Avoid shrubbery or doorways that might hide an attacker
 *Give yourself permission to be "impolite" or "over cautious"
 *You don`t have to talk to strangers who approach you
 *Be aware of who is behind you, cross the street or let them pass 
 you
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                      TIPS FOR SAFETY

*Attackers expect a passive victim. Carry a whistle in your pocket
*While cruising carry as little money, no jewelry and only        
 identification which does not have your address
*If you feel unsafe, trust your instincts and act accordingly or  
 leave!
*If you see someone being hassled - help them or call for help
*Take a self-defense course and practice with a friend
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                WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ASSAULTED

*Call police as soon as possible - DIAL 911 - tell them that you  
 have been assaulted.
*If your keys are stolen with identification:
  @ don`t return home alone
  @ if you have a roommate, call home and tell him or her;
  @ replace your locks
* Seek medical help if necessary
* Have any police officer you speak with provide you with his or  
  her name, badge number and your file number
* Don`t be ashamed-ask a friend to be with you as soon as possible
* Try to detail on paper a description of the attackers and the   
  incident
* Seek help. Call the gayline which can help you with a referral  
  to:  
  @counselling
  @legal advice and the police
  @confidential or anonymous documenting of the assault
* Ask that charges be laid if your attacker is caught
   HELP is available by contacting one of the following groups:

Gayline -                     238-1717
Distress Center -             238-3311 (24 hours)
Distress Center Youth Line -  238-2088 (4-11pm)
Rape Crisis Center -          729-8889 (24 hours)
Sexual Assault Support Center (for women) 234-2266 (24 hours)
Interval House (for women)    234-5181 (24 hours)
Legal Aid Office              238-7931
Ottawa Police Victim`s Assistance Program 236-0311

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    VULNERABLE AREAS ON YOUR ATTACKER`S BODY AND WHAT YOU CAN DO

* Scream & Shout
* Call for help by shouting "FIRE!"
* Blow your whistle
* Box the ears or punch the temple
* Poke the hollow of the throat with fingers, thumb, cane or      
  umbrella
* Jab at solar-plexus with umbrella, cane or elbow
* Snap knee into groin, or grab balls, twist & pull
* Keep kicks aimed low
* Stomp on the top of the foot with your heel
* Grab his hair and double him over; strike the back of his neck  
  with your fist or elbow
* Tense your fingers and bend them slightly; jab straight into the 
  eyes
* Slaw palm of hand or fist up under the nose; push in and up at  
  the same time 
* Kick knee cap
* If grabbed from rear, kick to the knee, scrape the shin, and    
  stomp the instep with your heel
  

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            AND AS ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PRACTICE SAFER SEX!
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