Date rape is on the rise but the sad thing is not all cases are being reported. This can be due to fear or embarrassment. The case takes place in colleges or universities, during parties or other school occasions. It may also occur in a friend’s home or may arise even when a student is simply being dropped off in her dorm.

The scenario is somewhat saddening. But instead of dwelling on the negative side of date rape, it is best to take some necessary precautions to avoid it. Women, young or old, are advised to take these self-defense steps.

1. First dates should be scheduled during the daytime, when the sun is still up. If possible, do not accept dates unless you are with another couple in the same venue. The couple should be someone you are familiar with. Plus it should also be done in a public place. Never ask your date to pick you up from home. Go to the meeting place using your own transportation.
2. Never consider taking alcohol during a first date. Sometimes, attackers would use alcohol to dilute date rape drugs. These substances can cause you to become unconscious with what you are doing. You then become a victim to the attacker’s plan.
3. Some boundaries during the dating process should be discussed even if they are not called for during the event. If you cannot put them in words, you can show some statements through your action. What does this mean? Well, never show actions that will somehow make the attacker think that it will be easy making you a date rape victim.
4. A friendly atmosphere with a stranger can also lead to date rape. Sometimes, you begin to show some feelings or emotions that the attacker may not read very well. He takes advantage of the friendliness that you will show him and will begin to deceive you. While you are having a couple of sips together, he might just slip in some forms of date rape drugs into your drink. If in any case you feel that the situation is going beyond boundaries, always ask help from authorities.
5. Never show a man that you are afraid of him. Show some signs of your strength and make the man know what your message is. Do not show him that vulnerable side of you. This might just lead him to think that he can overpower you and make him begin his date rape plan.

Some rape victims have always been vulnerable. They were afraid of their attackers. Let this be a warning to you. Showing some signs of strength is not bad at all especially if you are out on intimate dates or parties with someone you barely know. Be vigilant as date rape may just happen anywhere. You must also learn how to say no even when the situation seems to be comfortable for both of you.

Posted under Date Rape
Tags: attackers, Date Rape, date rape drugs, friendly atmosphere, rape victims.