Sexual Abuse Expert Elaine Williams Offers Tips to Prevent Rape on Campus

BLOOMFIELD, N.J., Sept. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As college students head back to school, they might put themselves in danger of being sexually assaulted by people they know, like and trust, said Elaine Williams, a popular speaker on the college circuit who helps protect women from sexual assaults. 

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"There's an epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses. As freshmen get more comfortable with their college life and routines, they are distracted by so many new stresses and don't pay attention to safety practices," said Williams, a sexual abuse survivor whose inspiring and soul-baring story of food, drug, and alcohol addiction is as educational as it is entertaining. 

She warns that rapists don't look like monsters.

"Predators can look and seem like nice, sweet guys. Many are very charismatic and great actors. They target freshmen, and transfer students who are new, shy, and nervous," said Williams, author of "Stop the Madness." "But women need to think about how to protect themselves because the rapists don't act the way women think they would."

"Predators are sick in the head. They do not think that using alcohol as a weapon is wrong. They are psychopaths who think that because they aren't hiding in the bushes and using a gun or a knife to rape they are just hooking up," said Williams, who uses her training as a Certified Ford Institute life coach to fully engage and interact with her audiences.

EDITOR'S NOTE: To interview Elaine on college newspapers, radio stations or TV stations, contact Mary Schmidt-Krebs, APR at 760-931-0775 or Email.

Williams warns women to keep their guard up. Here are five tips she suggests women can use to protect themselves from sexual assault on college campuses:

1. Lock your bedroom door -- even if you are with friends at houses or other gatherings because a rapist could enter the door if it is open. "In co-ed dorms, there are many times when a guy was too drunk to drive, so he was invited to stay on the dorm floor or down the hall. Then the victim went to sleep in their own dorm bed, thinking they were safe, only to wake up with a man on top of them."
2. Every student should have their phones charged and with them at all times. 
3. Every student should have a support system. They should tell their friends if they are going on a date with someone they do not know well. Have a friend call or text to check in during the date or party. 
4. Create a code word so you can tell your friends if you need help.
5. At a party or on a date, don't leave your drink unattended.

"Trust your gut. If you are not sure you want to be around them when no one else is around, then get away fast!" she said.

About Elaine's "Party Fouls" Speech

In "Party Fouls" Elaine talks frankly about sexual assault, how to not be a victim, how to be on guard and what to do should there be an assault. 

She shows the students why Moderation-is-Kool and how to party safely and responsibly. She addresses the pressure of wanting to do well in school while also feeling pressure to connect socially and fit in.

Students want to be involved and respected, not talked-down-to; so Elaine makes her talk personal and interactive. Students walk away with practical and simple tools after having a transformational and fun experience.

Praise for Elaine's College Speeches

"The information you shared was so valuable and your style connected so well to our students. Students said that they were having so much fun and learning at the same time that they forgot they were getting extra credit," said Brittany Pye, assistant director of campus activities, Colby - Sawyer College.

"Thank you for caring and keeping in touch. Most other people and speakers forget. I am inspired everyday when I think back about your talk, and then I go to work every day, thinking how can I inspire my kids at the group home," said Crystal Vicklund, of Penn State Dubois.

About Elaine Williams

Elaine Williams, "girl next door" had it all – the brains, the charm, and the talent to be drill team captain, a national honor society member and involved in her community. What she hid was she was also a victim of emotional, physical and sexual assault which led her to abuse her body with food, drugs, and alcohol. 

Today as a certified Life Coach, she uses her comedic talent to engage audiences in discovering that the way to your heart is not through your stomach, and happiness is not found in a bottle.

She is an award-winning stand up comedian who has appeared on SNL, HBO, ABC, NBC, FOX, and in The New York Times. 

Contact:
Elaine Williams
Email
646-526-3522

SOURCE Elaine Williams