Rapes in Small Towns, Just as Prevalent

There seems to be a misguided assumption that if you live in a small town, you are less likely to be raped. This is far from the truth. You are just as likely to be raped in a small town as you are in a large city. The National Crime Victimization Survey, performed by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, found that 67% of sexual assaults are committed by a friend or acquaintance. You are more likely to be surrounded by people you know in small towns. Many times just the fact that the attacker is someone you know, makes it more difficult for you to accuse him of attacking you. The offender knows this and takes advantage of the fact that you will most likely not go to the authorities. After all, you don't want to hurt the people you know, like his parents, siblings or wife...

Police authorities in small towns are also most likely to have an antiquated view of rape victims. This view is that basically, you get what you ask for and you are as much to blame as the assailant is. This could not be further from the truth. You are NOT at fault. Authorities of small towns are less educated on sexual assault situations. This deters rape victims from going to the police in a small town.

So, if you live in a small town, you need to be just as cautious as you would if you lived in a large city. Always carry a self defense product such as mace, pepper spray, stun gun or personal alarm. Have one of these products with you, just as you would your car keys or your purse.