From: vedwards@emr.ca (Victoria Edwards)
Date: Thu, 15 Sep 1994 07:50:58 -0400 (EDT)

Forwarded message:
> >   ----------------------------------
> >               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.
> >                          _________________
> >                           USE COMMON SENSE
> > 
> > *Try to leave bars/clubs/community centres 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
> > youe  told other people youe leaving together.
> > *If youe unsure about leaving with someone-don
> > *When at known lesbian and gay establishments, be alert and be    
> > aware of your surroundings. Don assume youe 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 have to talk to strangers who approach you
> > *Be aware of who is behind you, cross the street or let them pass 
> > you
> >                       ________________
> >                       TIPS FOR SAFETY
> > 
> > *Attakers expect a passive victim. Carry a whistle in your pocket
> > *While cruising carry as little money, no jewlery 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-defence course and practice with a friend
> >                 ------------------------------
> >                 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 return home alone
> >   @ if you have a roomate, 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 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 Centre -             238-3311 (24 hours)
> > Distress Centre Youth Line -  238-2088 (4-11pm)
> > Rape Crisis Centre -          729-8889 (24 hours)
> > Sexual Assault Support Centre (for women) 234-2266 (24 hours)
> > Interval House (for women)    234-5181 (24 hours)
> > Legal Aid Office              238-7931
> > Ottawa Police Victim Assistance Program 236-0311
> > 
> >     ------------------------------------------------------------
> >     VULNERABLE AREAS ON YOUR ATTACKER 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 stright into the 
> >   eyes
> > * Slam 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
> >   
> >                -----------------------------
> >             AND AS ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PRACTICE SAFER SEX!
> >                -----------------------------