How to Prevent Date Rape

Think about it before you go on a date! Here are some practical tips to keep you safe.

Have good communication with your date. Tell your date ahead of time what activities you are not willing to do.
Tell someone where you are going, who you are going out with, and when you expect to be back.
Have an idea of where you're going.
Plan to go places where there are a lot of people around.
Suggest going on a group date if you feel uncomfortable going as a couple.
Don't use anything that can alter your thinking or behavior, such as alcohol and drugs.
Take money and a credit card. You don't want to get stranded without money.
Take a cell phone with you.
Don't interpret a "No" as a "Yes."

What is RAPE?

Rape is any sexual activity that is attempted or completed by force, threat of force, or coercion against another person's will. Men, as well as women, can be violated and it is not a crime that necessarily strikes any one group of victims.

Nobody has the right to demand physical or sexual favors from another person without their consent, regardless of their relationship to them. Rape exploits one person in order to meet another person's sexual and emotional desires.

Rape is nothing new. It has been around for centuries. It is even recorded in the Bible in II Samuel 13 -- the story of Tamar and Amnon.

Did you know?

Close to two million American teens become crime victims each year.
Teens are twice as likely to be victimized as any other age group.
Sexual assault is a widespread and underreported crime.
More teens are raped by people they know than by strangers.
Even if you have had sex before it is your right to say NO at any time.
Sometimes people will use manipulation to get someone to give into sex.

Have you been victimized?

If you are a victim of sexual assault, you might...

Feel afraid, ashamed, angry, sad, lonely, betrayed or depressed.
Feel guilty and confused if you knew or had a relationship with the attacker, even though the assault was not your fault.
Feel that you have no friends or that your friends won't believe you.
Want to hurt someone else or yourself.
Feel like taking steps to defend yourself.
Feel anxious all the time
Feel bad about yourself or your body.

Get help!

Being sexually abused is not your fault. Nothing about what you say, the way you look, or how you behave gives anyone else the right to use or hurt you.

Tell a trusted adult, they can help you.
Tell a teacher, counselor, youth pastor, or principal at school if there is no one you can trust at home.
Contact a local victim assistance agency, child protective services, or the police for help. If you need help finding someone to call, contact the National Center for Victims of Crime helpline at 1-800-FYI-CALL or visit their website at www.ncvc.org. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Heartlink's Resources for Victims of Rape
Contact Education for Life via email or our message board.

For More Information on Sexual Abuse Contact:

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 800-656-HOPE or their website at www.rainn.org for more information and support.
Survivors of Incest Anonymous at (410) 893-3322 or visit their website at www.siawso.org