Breaking the Cycle: Date Rape
How to Protect Yourself at Social Gatherings
While a date rape scenario can go both ways, it is a fact that a woman is more vulnerable to attacks when in social gatherings, especially if she is alone or with a man she is just getting to know. Date rape is a serious issue that is not widely talked about as much as it should be. Yet, it is a very common situation: a man and a woman go out and he tries to force her to engage in sexual activity. So, ladies, here are some tips to help you stay safe when you are out and about with your date:
Try to arrange a “double date.” If you are going on a date with someone who you just met, try asking a close friend if she is willing to bring a date with her and you all go out as a group. That way, you have an outlet should you feel the need to vent. If you are separating, make sure you keep your friend informed on.
Do not allow him to pick you up on the first date. Yeah, this takes away from that picture perfect, romantic scene where the guy pulls up in front of his date’s house and escorts her to the car. These days, you can never be too sure who you are getting involved with, and hopping in the car with someone you barely know is not a safe decision.
Have some extra cash for emergencies. Self -explanatory. Anything could happen.
Carry a weapon. Should you feel the need to protect yourself, carry a small tube of mase for protection. Before you purchase, always make sure that there are no legal laws against public use of mase for personal protection in your state.
Inform loved ones about your whereabouts. This is like the first tip. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, or if this is your first date or you tenth date, always let someone close to you know where you are going to be for safety purposes!
This is especially important for three reasons. First off, ladies, it is okay to have a glass of wine while you’re out, but getting drunk on the first date is never a good look. You are going on a date to get to know your partner, not to get wasted. Secondly, it leaves you vulnerable to a sexual assault more so than if you were sober. Lastly, if you chose to drive to the location, you will need to be sober to drive home safely.
Please exercise common sense and caution when drinking around strangers! Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts, because if something doesn’t feel right, then it isn’t!