DATE RAPE
It's hard to think of someone familiar like your date, a steady
boyfriend, or a casual acquaintance as a rapist. Familiarity makes you
less inclined to trust your self-protective instinks. Being forced into
having sex, even if it's by someone you know is still RAPE and it's
a CRIME. Nothing you do, say, or wear gives anyone the right to
assault you sexually or otherwise.
Men and women are both responsible for preventing sexual assault.
Poor communication, mixed signals, body language that contradicts the spoken
word are often key factors in DATE�RAPE.
FOR THE LADIES
- You have the right to set limits.
- Communicate those limits clearly. E.S.P. doesn't work.
- Trust your instinks. If a situation doesn't feel right, change the
situation or get away from it.
- Be aware of sex-role stereotypes such as "It's macho to score"
and "Being assertive is unfeminine." These attitudes get in the
way of honest relationships.
- Speak up when others joke or talk about their sexual conquests. let
others know where you stand.
- Party time? Remember, drugs and alcohol decrease your ability to take
care of yourself and make sensible decisions.
- Plan ahead-first date or blind date? Check him out with friends. Go
to a public place, a movie, restaurant, or campus event. Take along a friend....Don't
go alone.
- Don't leave a party, concert or bar with someone you just met, or don't
know well, no matter how charming they may be.
- Be wary of behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable. If it persists,
leave.
- Stand up for yourself. If someone is pressuring you, say that you don't
like it and mean it.
FOR THE MEN
- It's never all right to force yourself on a women, even if:
- she teases you or dresses provocatively
- she says "no" and you think she means "yes"
- You've had sex with her before
- You've paid for a night on the town
- You've been dating a long time and you think it's time
- Do not assume you both want the same degree of intimacy.
- If you have any doubts...stop. ask. clarify. Protect yourself from
a charge of rape because you didn't ask.
- It's ok not to "score". Real men can take "no"
for an answer.
- Being drunk or stoned is no excuse. Having sex with someone who is,
is rape.
- Gang rape, a dare, a joke, a party game? No. It's RAPE. It's wrong.
It's a crime.
One of the most important things a rape victim can do is tell
someone, the police, a friend, rape crisis center, or a counselor. Don't
isolate yourself, don't feel guilty, and don't just try to ignore it. Rape,
whether by a stranger or by someone you know, is a violation of your body
and your trust. Men can be victims of rape and have the same emotional
feelings that women do.
If it happens to you...Do not shower, wash, douche, or change
your clothes, even though that's your immediate reaction. Plus, you will
have the needed evidence if you choose to press charges against the suspected
person.
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