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How to Avoid Date Rape

Don't be a victim. Use these tips to prevent sexual assault and stay safe.

You may be surprised to know that a fun and entertaining concept like dating can become a terrifying experience for many people when the encounter takes the form of a date rape. More than half of rape victims usually know the person who raped them. The main reason that these type of sexual assaults occur is because women usually extend a certain degree of trust to the other person, who then may take advantage of a trusting date partner.

What is rape? Rape is nonconsensual sexual penetration by physical force, by threat of bodily harm, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent by virtue of mental illness, mental retardation, or intoxication. Between 14 and 20% of adult women have been raped Most female victims know the person who raped them Rape is motivated by aggression and sexual arousal involving the suffering of the victim More than 1 out of every 5 women has been forced by a man to engage in some kind of sexual activity against their will Among those women who had experienced forced sex, 30% were forced sexually by more than one person Up to half of rape victims will experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Who Commits Rape?

Date rape has become an ever-growing concept in the recent years and the number of women victimized has steadily increased. Women and girls between the ages of 16 to 24 years are more likely to become victims of date rape. However, there are a number of practical strategies that you can follow to prevent date rape. Most of these are highly important in preventing a dangerous situation, so make sure you understand them fully and implement them when the need arises.

Control your drinking. Limit yourself to a maximum of 1 to 2 drinks when you are on a date or any public party. Excessive or out-of control drinking limits a persons ability to think properly and causes them to become vulnerable. According to statistics, almost 90% of rape cases occur when the victim is drunk. Therefore, if you are in a public place among strangers, make sure you stay sober at all times.

Keep an eye on your drink. If you are having a drink or beverage, always keep an eye on it. Most rape cases involve the use of date rape drugs, which cause the victim to lose consciousness. These drugs are added to beverages when the victim is not looking. If you lose sight of your drink for any reason, like when going to the restroom, then do not consume it because a substance could have been added in your absence.

Keep your distance. Do not talk with strangers and do not give out any personal information such as your home address to anyone you don't know, especially if you live alone. Similarly, when talking with a stranger, do not reveal too much personal information. A little chit chat, laughing, and flirting can be fun, but do not overdo it. Think about how the other person might be interpreting your friendliness. Keep your distance to stay safe and prevent any potential attack. Don't invite a stranger to walk you to your car at night.

Do not go alone to a party. If you are planning to go to a party or club then make sure you take a friend along. Never go alone. A group of friends is even better than one friend, because this way you can all watch out for each other. If you feel threatened in any way by anyone, do not be afraid to call out for help. A group date with some trusted companions gives you some real security.

There are many more precautions which you can use to prevent date rape. As long as you are cautious, you can reduce the chance of date rape from happening. However, in the case if something bad as date rape happens to you or to anyone, do not be afraid of reporting the situation to the police, because you should know your rights and make every effort to protect them.

Learn more about Protecting Yourself from Date Rape: Your Questions Answered.

Author Bio: Richard Jacobs is a chief editor since early 2007, and he currently works for MyDUIattorney. A webiste that helps you to find the right DUI lawyer, you can search for a Cincinnati DUI Lawyers or for Best DUI Lawyer in New Jersey online, anytime!