No matter how you dress, where you hang out or what your past holds, sexual contact without your consent is a crime. There are things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming the victim of a sexual assault, but if the worst does happen, here are five tips to remember:

• It may be difficult, but focus on your attacker: How he smells, what he says and how he says it, how he looks, his clothes, hairstyle, eye, hair, tattoos, scars and skin color
• When it’s over, move to a safe place and call the police
• Have nothing to eat
• Don’t brush your hair, change clothes or use the bathroom
• Don’t wash, bathe or change your appearance — no matter how much you might want to do so

You and your clothing can hold clues that may help police find and convict your assailant. Called “transfer evidence,” it’s what’s left behind by him and the environment — dirt, hair, body fluids, even minute traces of skin under your fingernails from scratching him can be collected and used for identification.

One more very important thing: If an officer or anyone associated with interviewing you, collecting evidence or prosecuting the case belittles you or makes you feel bad about yourself, you don’t have to take it. Speak up. Complain and complain loudly.

Ask to speak to a supervisor and keep moving up the chain of command until you receive satisfaction. If you’re still unhappy, call your state’s victim assistance program. Police know better than to make a victim feel guilty for being one.