CHAPTER FIVE
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Keep Yourself Safe!


Many people ask "what can I do to prevent being raped." Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to this question and no guarantees against rape. However, the things mentioned in the previous chapter can be helpful as well as the following:

REMEMBER 
Most rapes are committed by someone known to the victim.

COMMUNICATE your limits and desires clearly. 
That means letting your date know where you want to eat, what movies you want to see and when and where you want (or don't want) physical contact.

AVOID being alone in isolated locations. 
Most rapes occur out of earshot of other people, in parked cars and empty houses.

STAY SOBER.  
Most rapes occur while one or both individuals are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.  
If you are in a situation that doesn't feel right, listen to your inner voice that says "I'm uncomfortable" AND...

ACT ON YOUR INSTINCTS.  
If it is possible to do so, leave the uncomfortable situation quickly. If things start to get out of hand, be loud in protesting. It is helpful to plan ahead what you might do if you are in a sexually dangerous situation such as making a plan to scream, run, act crazy, or hit the perpetrator. Whatever you choose to do or not to do, sexual assault is never your fault.

GO ON GROUP/DOUBLE DATES.  
If you are unsure of a new acquaintance or are going on a "blind date," this can give you the opportunity to get to know the person better before being alone with them.

 

What you should know about "date rape" drugs.


  • Do not leave beverages unattended.
  • Do not take any beverages, including alcohol, from someone you do not know well and trust.
  • At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the bartender, waiter or waitress.
  • At parties do not accept open container drinks from anyone.
  • Be alert to the behavior of friends. Anyone appearing to be more intoxicated than they should in relation to the amount of alcohol they have consumed may be in danger.
  • Anyone who believes they have been given a "date rape" drug should be driven to a hospital emergency room or should call 911 for an ambulance. Try to keep a sample of the beverage for analysis.

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Chapter One  •  Chapter Two  •  Chapter Three  •  Chapter Four  •  Chapter Five  •  Chapter Six  •  Chapter Seven  •  Chapter Eight  •  Sexual Assault Centers  •  Domestic Violence Projects  •  Table of Contents