The MSUB Phoenix Center believes the only way to prevent interpersonal violence is through primary prevention efforts and holding the perpetrator completely responsible for the crime they commit. However, we recognize that risk reduction efforts can help those feel safe and can lessen one’s risk of violence.

PRO:

  • Risk reduction strategies can help people feel protected from potential violence.
  • Risk reduction strategies can help survivors feel empowered before or after perpetration occurs (self-defense classes).

CON:

  • Risk reduction strategies, if not used by the survivor, can often create self-blame and guilt if perpetration occurs.
    • “I had pepper spray in my purse, why didn’t I use it?”
    • Statistics show about 75% of perpetrations occur from someone who knows the survivor. Since trust can be built with the survivor, it can be difficult to use these types of strategies before, during or after perpetration has occurred.
      • “I took a self-defense class and knew exactly how to physically stop him but my body froze and I couldn’t do anything.”
      • Risk reduction strategies are often connected to deep-rooted beliefs that people should be able to prevent violence from occurring. This can often place blame upon the survivor by others (victim blaming comments and/or accusations) when violence does occur.
        • “What did he expect walking alone in a dark place?”

Don't Rape signage
Examples of risk reduction:

  • Pepper spray
  • Self-defense classes
  • Rape whistles
  • Well-lit areas
  • Buddy system
  • Watching your beverage