Healthy relationships involve respect - including respect for the feelings of others. Someone who really cares about you will respect your wishes and not force or pressure you to have sex.
Protecting Yourself
The best defense against date rape is to try to prevent it whenever possible. Here are some things both men and women can do:
- Avoid secluded places (this may even mean your room or your partner's) until you trust your partner.
- Don't spend time alone with someone who makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. This means following your instincts and removing yourself from situations that you don't feel good about.
- Stay sober and aware. If you're with someone you don't know very well, be aware of what's going on around you and try to stay in control. Also, be aware of your date's ability to consent to sexual activity - you may become guilty of committing rape if the other person is not in a condition to respond or react.
- Know what you want. Be clear about what kind of relationship you want with another person. If you are not sure, then ask the other person to respect your feelings and to give you time. Don't allow yourself to be subject to peer pressure or encouraged to do something that you don't want to do.
- Go out with a group of friends and watch out for each other.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel threatened.
- Take self-defense courses. These can build confidence and teach valuable physical techniques a person can use to get away from an attacker.
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