EAST LANSING -   This month, the Michigan State Police is seeking to educate citizens regarding sexual assault and personal protection. In fact, the best defense against sexual assault is education.

With April being "Sexual Assault Awareness Month," it is a good time to learn more about sexual assault. For instance, more than 80 percent of all sexual assaults occur between people who know each other.

Furthermore, statistics show that someone is raped every two minutes, and that one out of three women will be raped in her lifetime. However, sexual assault doesn’t happen only to women. Both males and females are victims of sexual assault, although females are more likely to be sexually assaulted.

Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take when you’re in your car, on the street or in your home to reduce your risk of being sexually assaulted. They include:

In Your Car

1. Keep windows and doors locked.
2. If you should be followed into your driveway, stay in your car with the doors locked. Sound the horn to get the attention of neighbors or scare the other driver off.
3. When parking at night, select a place that will be well lit when returning to the car.
4. Check the interior of the car before getting in.

On the Street

1. Be observant of things around you. If someone is following you, go to the nearest house or store.
2. Walk near the curb and avoid passing close to shrubbery, dark doorways and other places of concealment.
3. Do not hitchhike.
4. Avoid shortcuts through parking lots and alleys.
5. Don’t walk alone if possible.
6. Don’t jog in secluded areas.

In Your Home

1. Be sure to keep your doors locked at all times.
2. All windows should have secure locks and frames.
3. All entrances and garages should be well lit.
4. Never open the door after a knock. Require the person to give their name. In the case of service persons, ask for proper identification.
   

"Above all else, trust your instincts. If things don’t feel right, be suspicious," said Sergeant Michele Hernandez, MSP Prevention Services Section. "Back away from the situation and don’t be afraid of being rude. It may save your life!"

If you are sexually assaulted, the best resistance you can use against an attacker is your common sense. Try not to panic, and remember that you are not trying to fight the attacker, you are attempting to divert the attacker long enough to get away.

Throughout the month, various community groups will be out in full-force seeking to educate the public about sexual assault. For a list of events in your area, please contact your local State Police post.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.