How to Avoid Being Date Raped

Rape doesn't always happen when someone a person doesn't know jumps out the bushes grabs them and then rapes them. Half of the people who are raped know their attacker. And women are not the only victims, about seven to ten percent of rape victims are male.

The most dangerous places to be and where acts of violence such as date rape are most likely to occur are bars, parties, and nightclubs. These are the places where there are more likely to be drugs and alcohol, and where it may be easiest for an attacker to drug someone's drink. Even though awareness about date rape is growing in the United States, the number of incidents continues to climb. Part of the reason may be because of date rape drugs such as rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine. All three of these drugs are easy to mix into someone's drink. They can cause a person who takes them to black out, and not to remember everything that is happening to them.

So, what can you do to avoid being date raped? Actually there are a number of common-sense things you can do. Here are some tips to avoid being date raped.

1. Don't go to parties, bars, or nightclubs alone. Instead go with a group of people you trust, and have at least one person in the group agree not to drink so he/she can watch out for the rest of you, and be the designated driver.

2. When you do go to parties, bars, and nightclubs with a group, keep an eye on each other. Limit the number of drinks you have, and don't allow yourself or anyone in your group to become so intoxicated you or they lose common sense and inhibitions.

3. In all instances get your own drink and watch it being made. Even a bartender can be someone that is not trustworthy. Since you probably don't know the person unless you are regular, and even if you do, still watch your drink being made to ensure nothing "extra" is added. Also, allowing someone else to get your drink means that anything can be added to it between the bar and getting back to your table. Be smart and get your own drinks!

4. Never leave your drink unattended. If you do get up to go to the dance floor and leave your drink on the table, don't drink out of it when you come back. Instead get rid of it and order a new drink. This may be a little costly but better to lose a little money than to be slipped a date rape drug without your knowledge.

5. If your drink tastes funny don't finish it. Instead make sure you and nobody else can drink it. Even if that means taking it to the restroom and pouring it down the sink. While some of the more common date rape drugs have no taste or smell, it is still better to be safe than sorry. If it tastes funny don't drink it!

6. Don't go anywhere with someone you just met. This includes their dorm room, their apartment, or their frat or sorority house for that matter. Also, don't take someone you just met home with you either. Both of these situations can spell disaster. Even if you are convinced the other person is your soul mate, it doesn't matter. Don't be stupid. Exchange phone numbers and have several meetings in public places before you even think about going home with the person, or taking them home with you. If this individual really does turn out to be the love of your life, they will understand your initial caution.

7. If someone makes you uncomfortable don't spend time alone with them. Listen to your gut and your instincts, and remove yourself from this situation if you somehow find yourself in it.

8. Know what you want out a relationship and be clear about it. Don't be afraid of hurting the other person's feelings, or upsetting them. If they can't handle what you are saying, then they don't have your best interests at heart, and you don't want them in your life.

9. Know that it is okay to say no, at anytime. Even if you feel that someone can be trusted and you get into a heavy petting session with them, but then change your mind, it is okay to say no. Even if you have been in an intimate relationship with someone, it okay at any time to say no. If the other person attempts to force the issue, then that is attempted rape.

Even following all these tips is not a guarantee that you will be excluded from the experience of date rape. If you are raped, get help immediately. Don't wash or change your clothes and get to a hospital. Don't be afraid to report rape. Even if you are threatened by the rapist, you have the right to protect yourself from further abuse by asking for help. Remember that rape does not just cause physical damage, it can also lead to emotional problems, so get help early on to help you deal with any issues that might come up after a rape. And most of all, remember you are not alone. Rape can happen to anyone, and it's not your fault if it happens to you, no matter what anyone may say.