Sexual Assault Advocate Training Manual - Texas Association ...

S E X U A L A S S A U L T A D V O C A T E T R A I N I N G M A N U A L
Keys
• Protect the cylinder with a guard plate. This metal device secured to
the door prevents the cylinder from being removed.
• Avoid snap or spring locks which work just by closing the door
without requiring the use of a key. Do not rely on chain locks.
• The best lock is no good if it is not used. Use it all the time – even
during the day if you are home.
• If you lose your keys, have locks or cylinders changed immediately.
• Do not hide the keys in obvious places (e.g., the mailbox, under the
doormat).
• Be wary to whom you give your keys.
• Separate house and car keys when parking your car or having it
repaired. Do not carry an identification tag on your key ring.
General
• Be aware of places where people might hide; under stairs, between
buildings.
• Know some of your neighbors and which ones you could trust in an
emergency.
• Use your initials rather than your first name in the phone book and on
your mailbox.
• If you hear a prowler or burglar in your house, get out of the house
through a back door or window and go to a neighbor's house to call
the police. AVOID ANY CONFRONTATION.
• When you are not at home, never leave only the outside porch lights
on. This is a signal you are not home. Leave a bedroom or bathroom
light on also. Leave a light on at night - this gives some protection. Or
buy a timer for a light if you will be returning home late at night.
• When returning home at night, have your keys ready before you get to
the door. This precaution will prevent you from taking time at the door
to search through your purse for your house keys.
• If you return home and you feel something is not right, do not go in.
Call the police and have them help you check the house.
• If a stranger comes to use your phone, get the information and make
the call for the person.
• When alone and answering a door ring, call out, "I'll take it, Bob," or
"I'll get it, Tom." Make sure your voice is loud and clear. NEVER
reveal either in person or on the phone that you are ALONE.
• Dogs can be a deterrent to a would-be intruder.
• If possible, avoid going into a public laundry or apartment building
room alone at night. These are prime target areas for attackers.
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