Teach women to counter messages that they are inferior to men and that they should define their self-worth according to men's preferences. Strong self-esteem is the best defense against unwanted advances from men. Discuss images from media and advertising that encourage women to think of themselves as sexual objects. Create a safe environment of confidentiality and mutual support because the topics are sensitive issues.
An effective program includes analysis and discussion of hidden assumptions about gender that are revealed in media. A discussion about gender roles in the participants' families helps them to dissect unspoken messages they received about a woman's role. Keeping a journal provides a private outlet for reflection on these matters. The University of Missouri-Kansas City's Women's Center developed a variety of programs to strengthen and empower women's self-esteem. Its website is linked in the Resources section.
Educate women about ways to avoid the risk of assault. Date rape is especially common among college freshman women. Encourage women to be clear and firm in letting their dates understand that "no means no;" strengthen their confidence in asserting that they have the right to say what will be done with their body. Role playing is useful in training women to say what they feel. Introduce a variety of situations in role-playing sessions so that women recognize when they will feel safe to assert themselves and when they may not feel safe. Going to a man's apartment, for example, can be risky if a woman does not want to have sex.
Inform women that they are not alone in facing sexual assault. According to the 2000 National Violence Against Women Survey, 350 of every 10,000 college women experience rape. Teach women how to protect themselves. Behavior tips include the obvious: avoiding risky situations whenever possible, being accompanied, especially at night, and avoiding provocative behavior. Prevention is not always sufficient, however. Effective women's programs include suitable training in self-defense, and self-defense does not require elaborate training in martial arts. Many self-defense schools offer on-campus training.