We call it "Date Rape" for some reason. It does not only happen on dates though. It can happen on a group outing, at a party, at an afterparty, in your own house, ih his or her own house.
I think the reason why we call it "date rape" is coined more from the surprise attach element to it and the fact that it generally happens either in a place where we thought that we would be safe or when we were with people that we trusted.
Gentlemen, this talk is for you too, it is not just for the ladies. Never assume that because you are a guy you are safe. Even if you are fast or big or very strong, it won't do you much good if you are not aware of your surroundings and avoid dangerous situations, places and people. Groups of sickos can still jump you. They can wait until you have had too many drinks and strike you from the blind side. A woman can still take advantage of a man if he is not in full control of his faculties, if she is evil enough. And there are some who are.
Ladies...Be careful. We live in a society that is constantly exploiting women or permitting them to exploit and degrade themselves. This is the easiest age to find a host of people who do not understand the value of the human persons aside from their personal gain or gratification.
Ladies and Gentlemen, watch out for:
1. Places that are poorly lit at night or where really loud noise or blasting music is being played.
Do you know everybody at this party? Odds are lots of other people do not know everybody either. There is a chance that you are talking to somebody who has crashed the party. If you need to shout right in front of each other to converse over the jamming, then it is not safe to "go someplace quiet" or bail the party with the stranger. Why? Becasue if he drags you down to the basement of a back bedroom or bathroom or into his car...NOBODY CAN HERE YOU SCREAM!
2. People who are using or have been using drugs or a place where there are drugs. Aside from the obvious health hazard and illegality, newsflash-people who are already prone to do bad things will feel less inhibited about doing them when they can't think straight. Stay away from drugs.
3. People who are drunk.
I know this one sounds hard, because at most parties, at least one person somewhere will drink too much! I sound puritanical. I do not mean that you should leave the party the second you see one person start to stagger. But keep an eye on them so nobody steals their wallet. Don't let a guy dance with you or put his hands on you if he is visibly drunk. Common sense!
4. People who get your drink for you or linger by it or "did that guy just put his hand over the rim of that girl's glass?"
Watch out for that guy. There will be people you meet randomly at bars or you did not even notice at parties who will drop a drug in your drink and take advantage of you.
Never ever ever
Leave your drink unattended
Follow a stranger
Meet up with somebody new that you met online at night in a less than public place
Let a stranger in your house
Leave your cell phone or purse
Yes do:
Learn some basic self defense moves
Carry a knife or gun when and where allowed
Carry mace or other pepper spray
Have enough money for an emergency cab fare or metro fare
Have a trusted friend or two with you
Trust your gut
If something feels not right... RUN!
After the first time you have said, "stop it I don't like that," and they are not stopping...start slugging and kicking and screaming. Don't wait of sit ther e stunned until they have already got you in a more vulnerable spot.
If you have an acquaintence or even "friend" or even are dating somebody that is always pushing the boundaries and showing disrespect for your physical boundaries, this person is not immune to that sort of ugly violent crime and you should not trust them.
In fact, what are you doing dating them?
If you have an angry, obsessive ex, be very careful. Do not assume that they will stop at obscene text messages and violent threats. Do not associate with them. Make sure your landlady knows this guy/girl by sight and forbids him from the premises. Fill out a police report and report the person's sexual harrassment. So if the person tries something stupid, the police will be ready. You will be prepared.
That is the bottom line of safety: always be prepared, always be aware.
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