In a study conducted by the Department of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers interviewed 8,000 women. The survey found that 1 in 6 women had experienced an attempted rape or a completed rape.

Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice

According to the Department of Justice, over 300,000 women are raped each year. That is an astonishing number, and it is considered a low estimate. According to the CDC, the highest estimate of women raped per year is around 1.3 million. A woman's chance of being raped in the United States alone is 1 in 5. Fifty-four percent of these rapes go unreported.

If these statistics don't scare you enough to change your ways, I don't know what will.

As a young member in today's society, I have witnessed plenty of news reports of public rape cases. Some occur on college campuses, some in my hometown, and many all over the world. The Department of Justice believes that women who stick together reduce their chances of being sexually assaulted significantly.

Anyone has the possibility of being targeted for sexual assault. It is a fact that normally you can't control exactly what happens to you. But what if you could take precautions to avoid situations that could be potentially harmful and disastrous? If you could help keep someone else safe, wouldn't you want to? Wouldn't you want to do everything in your power to protect yourself, as well as others, from harm? According to Police & Public Safety, here are some crucial steps to consider for women and men in today's society.

Avoid hazardous situations.

Stay with people.

Keep your drink with you.

Don't get distracted while walking, especially if you're alone.

Stay in well-lighted areas.

Be assertive.

Don't trust strangers.

Communicate your limits clearly.

Walk closer to the curb than near bushes or alleyways.

Think.

Hold your purse or belongings close to you.

Respond physically.

Be alert.

Look out for others.

Say something.

Walk confidently.

Ask for help.

Have your keys ready when walking to your car.

Trust your instincts.

Sometimes the things we overlook for common sense are far more important than we realize. It is important to be reminded of the seriousness of such an issue as rape. I hope these tips can provide some knowledge to whoever reads this. If anything, the power of support and protection for others is one of the most important tools needed in situations like rape. Be aware of your surroundings, don't hesitate to ask for help, and look out for others. If you think something is wrong or feels weird, say something. You never know who you could be helping in the long run.