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Soldier Support Institute SHARP
Protect Yourself Against Sexual Assault
DOs and DON'Ts of Cyber Dating
The resources below are provided to offer guidance in how to be proactive in avoiding sexual assault.
INDICATORS OF POTENTIAL TROUBLE
There are warning signs you should watch for, as they can indicate potential trouble. Be wary if your date:
  • drinks heavily, uses drugs, and/or tries to get you drunk.
  • berates you for not drinking
  • does not view you as an equal
  • emotes extreme high and low behaviors
  • acts in an intimidating way or invades your personal space
WHAT IS DATE RAPE?
Date rape is the most common form of rape and is when the attacker is not a stranger, but someone known to the victim. This is called acquaintance rape. Date rape is a form of acquaintance rape where the victim and attacker are close friends or dating partners. Date rape can be any type of forced of unwanted sexual contact.
CONSENT
Consent starts with an acknowledgment from BOTH parties to have sexual contact, and must continue throughout the act. If at any point either party says "no," even if they have said "yes" earlier, the act is considered rape. If a person is intoxicated or high, even if their behavior towards you suggests otherwise, they cannot legally give consent.
ALCOHOL AND DATING
Avoiding alcohol on the first few dates is always the best idea, but at the very least, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Judgment and inhibition are lowered when alcohol is consumed, making you vulnerable to sexual assault. Studies show that 75% of men and 55% of women are drinking when a date rape occurs. If you do choose to drink, always keep your drink with you to protect against date rape drugs.
DATE RAPE DRUGS
The three most common date rape drugs are Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine. These drugs are very powerful, and all of them are available in forms that have no color, smell or taste when dissolved in a drink. Symptoms of date rape drugs include weakness, confusion, and unconsciousness, making the victim defenseless.
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM DATE RAPE DRUGS
For your drink, request a sealed bottle or can. Keep your drink with you at all times, even in the bathroom! Pour out a drink that has been left unattended. Don't accept drinks from other people. Always watch your drinks being poured. Don't drink from open containers, such as punch bowls; they may already be contaminated. If you feel a stronger sense of intoxication than usual, get help immediately.
SHOULD I END IT?
There are many common signs an unhealthy relationship should be terminated, including constant insults, social isolation from friends/family, attempts to make you conform to certain behavior, manipulative tendencies, and angry, jealous or controlling behavior.