Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
For countless individuals, the issue of date rape is a startling reality that can bring about devastating consequences. Increasing awareness about date rape can support victims in finding resources for healing in addition to helping others know how to protect themselves in a vulnerable situation.
Date rape does not discriminate against gender, as this issue affects both women and men. Statistics show that approximately one in four college aged women is date raped or has experienced an attempted date rate1. In addition, eighty-four percent of men who were involved in a date rape did not realize that what they did met the legal definition of date rape1.
What Is Date Rape?
Date rape is any situation in which non-consensual sexual intercourse occurs by a friend or acquaintance. In any situation in which sexual intercourse occurs without consent, whether through force or not, this is considered date rape.
Protecting yourself from this type of situation is important to preventing date rape from occurring. Here are some suggestions that may help you avoid a situation in which sexual intercourse occurs without consent:
Meet potential dates in public places:
If you are meeting someone for the first time, arrange a date or activity that is in a public place. Being around others can help a situation from escalating to a place that you feel unable to control.
Refrain from being under the influence:
Anytime you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are more likely to make poor decisions as your cognition is affected. If you are out on a date, watch your drinks, as this can be a way in which others manipulate an opportunity to take advantage of others sexually. Never leave your drink unattended or put yourself in a position where you are unable to make rational decisions for yourself.
Communicate clearly and directly:
Use your voice to communicate when you are feeling uncomfortable or if there is something that you are not willing to do. Saying “no” firmly rather than remaining quiet is important to convey how you feel. Do not compromise on how you feel because you are concerned about appeasing someone else.
While date rape cannot always be prevented, there are important steps you can do to help protect yourself from unwanted sexual encounters.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What are ideas or suggestions that you might have for protection against date rape? What resources are available on your campus to support students who may have
References:
- Koss, M. P., Gidycz, C. A., & Wisniewski, N. (1987). The Scope of Rape: Incidence and prevalence of sexual aggression and victimization in a national sample of higher education students. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(2), 162.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on August 8th, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com