Date
Rape: It Can Happen to You
Debra Guerrero, staff writer
Being
raped by someone you know is not only a violation of your body, it’s a
violation of your trust.
Sadly,
most rape victims fall between the age of 16 and25, and most know their
attackers before the rape. There are two classified types of rape, stranger
rape and acquaintance rape. Stranger rape is nonconsensual sex between two
individuals who did not know each other before the sexual act. Acquaintance
rape is nonconsensual sex between two individuals who did know each other
before the sexual act.
Date
rape is considered an acquaintance rape when nonconsensual sex occurs
between two people who are in a romantic relationship. Alcohol is a
contributing factor to date and acquaintance rape. When men are under the
influence of alcohol, they are more likely to misconstrue friendly gestures
as sexual invitations, and women under the influence are unable to resist a
possible attack.
Unfortunately, a rapist can be anyone. But there are some men who are a
little more aggressive than others. Some men may ignore what you say, talk
over you or pretend not to hear you, and ignore your personal space
boundaries. These are all signs that the man is only interested in getting
you drunk and taking advantage of you.
Some
suggestions to protect yourself from this possible situation are to never go
to any party, club, or social event alone. Always go with some friends so
you can watch out for each other. Never accept a drink from anyone other
than the bartender, and don’t share or exchange drinks with anyone. Also,
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DRINK UNATTENDED! Doing this will only increase the chances
of someone slipping something into your drink. If you are ever in a
situation when you must leave your drink, don’t go back to the same one. The
few seconds it takes to make or open up another drink is definitely worth
it.
One
more important suggestion is to never leave a party or club with someone you
just met, especially if you are under the influence of alcohol. If date rape
happens to you, get help. Call a friend, relative, or a rape crisis center.
You
shouldn’t isolate yourself or feel guilty, and definitely don’t try to
ignore it. Date rape is a crime and it should be reported.
