Reduce the Risk of Rape

How to Reduce the Risk of Rape

reduce the risk of rape

Reduce the Risk of Rape

For Females:

  • Know your limits.  Believe in your right to set limits.  If there are any questions, stop and talk about it.
  • Communicate your limits clearly.  If your date starts to offend you, tell them quickly, firmly, and clearly.  Polite approaches may be ignored or misunderstood.  Say “no” when you mean “no.”
  • Talk with each other.  Communication is the key in a healthy relationship.  Don’t assume your date will know how you feel or will eventually “get the message.”
  • Be aware of your date’s actions.  Pay attention to behaviours that aren’t respectful of you. Even simple things – like put downs, making all of the decisions, or constantly teasing you – may mean he doesn’t respect your decisions or boundaries.
  • Make a scene if you feel threatened.  Trust your intuition.  If you feel you are being pressured into unwanted sex, say so. State your feelings and get out of the situation if possible.  Don’t worry about a few minutes of embarrassment or awkwardness.  They will pass.
  • Stick with friends you trust.  Agree to look out for one another at parties or get-togethers.  Use the “buddy system” to check in with friends. If you are dating alone, stay in public places while you are initially getting to know one another.
  • Avoid using alcohol or other drugs.  They interfere with your ability to think, act, or communicate clearly.

For Males:

  • Know your limits.  Be aware of social and peer pressures.  It’s okay not to “score.”
  • Believe what you are hearing.  “No” means “no.”  Don’t read other meanings into it.  If you feel your date is hesitant or giving you “mixed messages,” stop and talk.
  • Talk with each other.  Communication is the key in a healthy relationship.  Don’t assume that your date will know how you feel or will eventually “get the message.”
  • Don’t take “no” as a personal rejection or insult.  Saying no is not rejecting you.  Instead, she is rejecting the action.  It is saying that she does not want to go further at that time.  Respect her boundaries and decisions.
  • Don’t make assumptions about another person’s behaviour.  Do not assume that she wants to have sex because she is dressed a certain way or agrees to go to your room or invites you in for coffee.  Just because she wants or likes to kiss doesn’t mean she wants to go further.  Listen to what she is telling you – verbally and non-verbally.
  • Get involved if you believe someone is at risk.  Don’t be afraid to step in or speak out if you think someone is being pressured or forced to go further than they want.
  • Avoid using alcohol or other drugs.  They interfere with your ability to think, act, or communicate clearly.

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If you are a teen or young adult who has experienced dating or sexual abuse, and you want to seek advice or counseling about it, Lifeline offers a telephone counseling service on 1800 737 732 where you can talk to someone who can advise you what can be done about the situation.  You may need help from the police and other such officers. Please do not hesitate to call if you feel you need help.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can ring the Domestic Violence Line for help on 1800 656 463