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THE TRUTH ABOUT DATE RAPE

Date Rape is forced or coerced intercourse between; partners, dates, friends, friends of friends or general acquaintances.

Date Rape can be coerced both physically and emotionally - some emotional tactics include; threats to reputation, threats to "not like you", name calling, saying you "brought it on" or "really want it", threats to break up and threats to say you "did it" even if you didn't.

If a person is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs they cannot consent to sex and having sex with them is legally rape.
There are certain "date rape" drugs that render the victim unconscious and limit memory; using these drugs is a federal crime with a possible 20 year sentence. These drugs are odorless and tasteless and difficult to detect when in drinks or mixed with other drugs.

"Date Rape" drugs may be difficult to trace but evidence of intercourse is not, and in cases where use of these drugs is suspected evidence of rape standards are lower.

If someone tries to pressure you to have sex, say NO like you mean it and fight it off if you have to - despite urban myths, people who fight off a rapist are more likely to stop the rape.

Date Rape is the most common form of rape (78%) with 1 in 4 girls expected to fall victim to rape or attempted rape before they reach 25, and 3 out of 5 rapes occurring before a woman reaches age 18. (Sources: Rape Statistics, Rape Statistics 1992)

Although girls are more often victims of rape, guys are not "safe" - they can be raped too.
NO MEANS NO! If a person says no to sex (no matter how quietly or unconvincingly) and you go ahead with it anyway, that is rape.

PROTECT YOURSELF

No one is ever entitled to have sex with you and you never "owe" someone sexual favors. The fact that someone suggests such a thing should tip you off that they aren't really interested in you, just what they can get from you.

Respect yourself, and demand respect from others.

Make your values known and don't ever compromise them. Hang out with people who share your values.

Don't decrease your ability to take care of yourself by consuming alcohol or other drugs that could cloud your thinking.

Trust your instincts about possibly dangerous situations and don't be pushed into one. Go out in groups and stay with the group.

Know who you are dating. Be sure to know at least the name and address of the person. Ask other people about this person. They might drop a clue that this is not a person you want to date.

Always make sure someone knows where you are going and with whom. A roommate who expects you home and calls for help when you aren't there within a reasonable time might save you from a very bad experience.

Have your own transportation or money to call a cab, home, or the police if you desperately need transportation. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM

Victims of date rape often feel guilty and blame themselves for being raped. You may blame yourself for accepting the date with that person, or talking to him, or going for a ride with him. You may think that it was really not a rape because you knew him or because you did not put up a desperate struggle. In addition to the guilt, you may feel that others will not believe you. How can you tell a friend that another friend or even relative raped you? You might fear that they won't believe you or worse, that you deserved it or "asked" for it.

This said, it is critical that you talk to someone right away - the police, a parent, sister, friend, teacher, counselor, school nurse or other trusted adult. You need to help yourself deal with what you have suffered and do what you can to stop this person from victimizing others. Follow this link for help:

http://www.rainn.org/whatshould.html

Sexaul Assault Quiz: Click Here