Posts Tagged ‘date rape’
Posted on February 10, 2009 - by Administrator
Protecting Yourself against Date Rape
It is a very scary notion to think that there are people out there who deliberately drug a girl in order to rape them. But it is unfortunately an ever increasing reality. It should be a concern for all women who are dating and enjoying causal encounters, and therefore they should have a plan of action so they can get out at the first hint of danger and also protect themselves while they are out.
Firstly, since the most common form of doping a date is to spike their drink, you should never, ever leave a drink unattended. Many of the date rape drugs, such as Ketamine and Rohypnol, come in powder form that are easily dissolved in a drink. Before you know it, they knock you out, without virtually feeling tired beforehand.
If you are meeting a stranger for the first time, be sure to tell or even better, take a friend along with you. This can be done by asking your friend (or two) to sit at a nearby table, just to keep an eye on things, and therefore if you should ever become uncomfortable or wish to leave you can go right to them and leave with them.
Be clear on what you expect and want from the date. Refuse to change your plans or ever go anywhere secluded. Stay in public at all times. This way nothing could happen – although they could still drug you at a bar, so be aware all the same. Have a plan as well. This means knowing what, where and when you will be going anywhere and be sure to tell someone. You can arrange to call a friend at certain times during the date to let them know you are ok. If you do not call, then they can alert others.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone for help if you ever feel scared or threatened. Ask a member of staff wherever you are, or a neighbor at a house if you have gone back to your or their place. This should not be done on a first date, and probably not until you really know and trust the person.
It is never a bad idea to take some kind of self defense classes. This enables you to feel more confident, while at the same time being able to protect yourself physically if someone were to try something.
If anything bad should happen, you should get help immediately. Go to an emergency room or any local authority. They will be able to help. Try to remember every detail of the person you were with and their vehicle, house etc that you might have seen. This will help them to track them down. Also try to avoid washing or changing. Any physical evidence will help.
It is not only women who are victims of date rape, but men as well. It is a crime that is sadly on the increase these days, but you should always do everything you can to try to avoid it. Sometimes, it still happens however. Always have emergency number handy of your friends, family and others who can help. It is inadvisable to meet anyone whom you have a bad feeling about or to meet anyone in a quiet or secluded spot. Stay in public at all times, where there will be more eyes on them.