How to Prevent Date Rape

1. Avoid getting drunk at parties. Alcohol lessens inhibitions and decreases your awareness. Therefore, you are more likely to do things that you would not do while sober. It is best to stay lucid, especially in the company of people you barely know.
2. Always watch your beverage, even if it is soda. Keep it with you at all times. Date rape drugs like rohypnol ("roofies"), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and ketamine can easily be mixed into drinks when you are not looking. Such drugs can cause you to lose consciousness.
3. Once you lose sight of your drink, do not consume any more of it. You do not know whether a substance had been added to your beverage at the time of your absence. If you are severely dehydrated and there is no running water and you cannot wait until later to drink, call an ambulance because intravenous fluids are probably necessary. Get another drink. Date rape's not worth it.
4. Avoid going into secluded areas with your date until you trust him/her. Go on double dates until you feel comfortable being alone with your boyfriend/girlfriend.
5. Date people you are familiar with.
Be clear on what you are seeking from your relationship. If you do not know, ask the person you are seeing to give you some time to figure things out. Do not lay around, flirt, or give them signs that you don't feel well. 6. Do not let anyone pressure you into doing anything you do not feel is right.
6. Avoid being alone with anyone who makes you uncomfortable. Your instincts will tell you which situations to remove yourself from.

The Facts About Dating Abuse

Dating abuse affects teens & young adults every day.
1 in 3 young people experience dating abuse during their teenage years1.
Young women, ages 16 to 24, experience the highest rates of relationship violence, almost triple the national average2.
1 in 5 college students report dating violence by a current partner3.
Dating abuse often goes unreported.
Only 50% of dating abuse victims report the abuse to someone else; of those who do report, 88% tell a friend4.
Dating abuse can take many forms.
Physical
Emotional
Sexual
Hitting
Kicking
Slapping
Punching
Grabbing
Shoving
Name-calling
Belittling
Isolating
Intimidating
Threatening
Bullying
Sexual touching
Sexual comments
Sexual threats
Coerced sex
Rape
Dating abuse can have serious and long-lasting effects.
Physical harm
Isolation
Sadness
Eating disorders
Depression
Suicidal thoughts