Crime & Safety

Police Offer Tips to Help Prevent Sexual Assault

Officers offered their list again in the wake of a Beacon Hill assault on Saturday.

Boston Police are investigating a Saturday morning break-in and sexual assault on Beacon Hill. They have released a photo of a suspect and have asked the public to contact them if they recognize the man or have information about the case. 

Anyone with information on the suspect or the crime itself can call the Boston Sexual Assault Unit at 617-343-4400. To leave an anonymous tip, call the Crimestoppers hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word TIP to 27463 (which spells "crime" on your telephone keypad).

If you or anyone you know has suffered through a sexual assault or rape, you can call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24 hour hotline at 1-800-841-8371

Find out what's happening in Beacon Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Officers also offered again their list of tips to help reduce the risk of sexual assault. These tips are posted at bpdnews.com:

  • Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
  • Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
  • Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles.
  • Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
  • Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
  • Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use the whistle to signal residents that you need assistance.
  • Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
  • Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
  • Carry a cell phone.
  • Call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on your way. Make sure they expect you at a certain time, so that in the event you fail to show up, they’ll know enough to begin looking for you.
  • Walk with confidence. Be assertive. Don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Know this: anyone at any time can be a victim of crime. Don’t assume, “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
  • If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to scare, distract or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
  • If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.

Find out what's happening in Beacon Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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