Prevention

Rape Prevention

It can be difficult to discuss sexual expectations with someone- especially when it is early on in a relationship. However, both men and women must take responsibility to prevent rape.

Listed below are prevention tips for men and women. Although no single method will make you immune from rape or assault, there are steps you can take to avoid potentially damaging situations.

Responsibilities for Both Men and Women

• Get to know your partner and discuss sexual expectations before you find yourself in an intimate situation- don’t let sex “just happen”.
• Clearly communicate your desires and limits. Don’t make assumptions.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol.
• Listen- and hear. Being told “no” is not just a rejection of you as a person. You can also say “no”.
• Be assertive. If you say “no”, say it clearly.
• Pay attention to your non-verbal actions.
• Accept your partner’s decision. Don’t try to coerce or manipulate.
• Understand and accept that you are responsible for your behavior and choices.
• Trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong, you are probably right. Get out of the situation immediately.

Incapacitated Sex

If you choose to drink, the likelihood you will remember to consider the above responsibilities is greatly reduced. Thus, you run the risk of impaired thinking and communication. Some individuals get themselves and their partners drunk enough to let sex “just happen”.

Alcohol is the number one rape drug!

Being drunk is NEVER and excuse for raping or assaulting someone.

Alcohol is not the only drug that can facilitate unwanted sex. There are drugs, increasingly found at parties and raves that have come to be known as “date rape drugs” because of their ability to incapacitate. These drugs are often added to drinks without the victim’s knowledge. These drugs include:

ECSTASY (also known as X, E, Smurf, Rolls). It can cause visions and other distortions of reality, teethgrinding, and spasms, death from heat stroke-like event. Long term- it can cause dental-related issues and brain damage. It may be a powder, but mostly pressed pills with a wide range of logos.

GHB (also known as G, Liquid Ecstasy, Blue Nitro, Georgia Home Boy). It can cause nausea, vomiting, delusions, amnesia, seizures, and loss of muscle control. It can leave you conscious but unable to move, unconscious, in a coma, or it can kill you. It usually has a bluish color, is odorless, and tasteless.

KETAMINE (also known as Special K, Ket). It can cause an out of body experience, brief “Gumby Doll” period, and flashbacks. It is a type of animal tranquilizer and often stolen from veterinary clinics.

ROHYPNOL (also known as Roofies, Roche, or Forget-me Pill). It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and amnesia. This drug might make you feel intoxicated, or more intoxicated than you would be from the alcohol you have been drinking. It can contain dangerous impurities.

Be careful. Do not accept drinks that you are not completely sure of the contents. Do not leave drinks unattended. Keep an eye on yourself and your friends, for any suspicious activity, and for signs of the symptoms listed above.

Risks of Alcohol

• At least 70 percent of sexual assaults involve alcohol
• The use of alcohol can be a factor for the survivor, the aggressor, or both.
• Alcohol lowers the inhibitions and impairs judgments, which can lead to a dangerous situation.
• Alcohol and sex can be as dangerous as drinking and driving.