On Friday, March 11 2016, between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department will be out and about in midtown educating the public through a Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign.  

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and with spring break upon us, we have decided to get a three week head start and begin our education crusade in March.

Sacramento Police officers, detectives from the department’s Sex Assault and Child Abuse Unit, along with Sacramento Police volunteers, will be on foot in the areas of Old Sacramento, 10^th/K Street, 20^th/K Street and 28^th/J Street handing out Sexual Assault Awareness educational flyers and talking with the community.    

The purpose of this operation is work in partnership with WEAVE to educate, inform, remind and reinforce good safety routines and answer any questions from the public.  This campaign is to reinforce safety precautions, having a plan and being aware.

Here is a list of things to keep in mind:

·         Plan where you are going and how you are getting home.  Let friends or family know the plan: Where you will be and at what times.

·         If it is a “blind date,” try to double with another couple. Drive yourself or have a means to get home without relying on the date.

·         If you are at a party or establishment, be cautious about accepting a ride or escort home from a person you have just met or do not know well, no matter how charming that person might be.  If a person insists or pressures you to accept a ride, become suspicious.

·         Use alcohol in moderation and keeps a close eye on your drink at all times.  Alcohol is the most widely used date rape drug and can impair judgment.  Avoid accepting drinks from individuals you don’t know. Order your own drinks and watch them being made.

·         Be aware of your surroundings. Remain aware and in control.

·         Avoid agreeing to go to any place unfamiliar to you, including your date’s home or apartment.

·         In a dating situation, define exactly what you want from the relationship. If what you want changes, say no.  You have the right to change your mind.

·         Be assertive. Set clear limits regarding what you consider to be acceptable behavior. Be confident, believe and act as if you come first. You do.

·         Be verbal about your wishes. Say “no” when you want to say no and “yes” when you want to say yes. Demand that your feelings and expressions are respected. Be verbal.

·         TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS AND FEELINGS.  If you feel you’re being pressured into unwanted sex, you’re probably right.  If you feel threatened take action – before the potential attacker does.  

·         Sac PD educational Video –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1sVDx6vY1M

·         Sac PD educational Audio  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2rtTs5-sn0

Information obtained from http://www.weaveinc.org/       http://www.weaveinc.org/post/acquaintance-rape

Please direct any inquiries to Sergeant Michele Gigante mgigante@pd.cityofsacramento.org or Sergeant Patrick Kohles Pkohles@pd.cityofsacramento.org