Date Rape Prevention

DATE RAPE

Rapist aren’t always strangers.  When someone you know – a date, steady boyfriend, or casual friend -forces you to have sex, it’s still rape (sexual assault/abuse).  Date rape is a betrayal of trust and can cause long-standing emotional injuries.

If date rape happens;

• Get help. Don’t isolate yourself, don’t feel guilty, and don’t try to ignore it.  It should be reported.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.  Do not shower, wash, douche, or change your clothes.
• Obtain counseling to deal with the emotional trauma.
• If you think you’ve been assaulted while under the influence of a drug, seek help immediately. Try not to urinate before you can provide a urine sample to be tested. Try to collect any containers (glassware, bottles) from which you poured or drank from.

Prevention Tips:

• Be careful not to let alcohol or other drugs decrease your ability to take care of yourself and make sensible decisions.
• Trust your gut feelings.  If a place or the way your date acts makes you feel nervous or uneasy, get out.
• Check out a first date or a blind date with friends. Meet in and go to a public place. Carry your phone and take money for a cab.
• Don’t leave a social event with someone you’ve just met or don’t know well.
• ·         Do not accept beverages from someone you don’t know and trust. Always watch your drink ad never leave it unattended.

Accept a person’s decision to say “NO.”

 Realize that forcing someone to have sex against their will is considered a violent crime with serious consequences.