How to Avoid Date Rape
Rape isn’t just perpetrated by strangers in dark alleys—although it’s rarely reported, date or acquaintance rape is frighteningly common. Protect yourself from being sexually assaulted by a suitor.
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You Will Need
- Alertness
- Self-discipline
- And common sense
Steps
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Step 1
Don’t be alone with him
Research shows date rapists plan their attacks, and most don’t occur on the first date. Since date rapists bide their time, don’t be alone with a new guy until you really know him.
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Be wary of that male friend who has a crush on you. Thirty-eight percent of women who were sexually assaulted by someone they knew described the guy as a friend.
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Step 2
Pay your own way
Interviews with date rapists reveal that many believe the woman 'owed' them sex for the money the men had spent on them. So pay your own way--at least until you know you can trust your date.
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Step 3
Stay sober
Stay sober. Alcohol is involved in 90% of campus date rapes, often because the predator has plied a woman with booze so he can take advantage of her more easily.
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Step 4
Watch your drink
Protect yourself from date rape drugs. If a guy buys you a cocktail, watch the bartender make it. Keep it with you at all times--or have a friend watch it. Don’t accept a cup of punch or a swig from a bottle.
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Abandon a drink that looks or tastes funny. Red flags include a salty taste or a cloudy or foamy residue.
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Step 5
Trust your gut
Trust your gut. Many date rape survivors say that they had a bad feeling before the attack. If something feels wrong, get out of the situation and/or ask for help.
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A landmark rape study found that among college students who were sexually assaulted, 84% knew their attackers and 57% were on dates.
