Prevention

Precautions to help you reduce your risk for being involved in an unhealthy relationship and acquaintance rape are listed below. Unfortunately, there are no guaranteed strategies for preventing dating violence and sexual assault. It is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, and make every attempt to stay out of situations that could escalate to the point of one individual being forced to do something they don’t want to do.

THE FOLLOWING ARE GOOD RULES TO LIVE BY FOR EITHER PARTNER:

Self Assessment

1. Think about what you really want from or with a partner.
2. Beware of stereotypes that mold behavior and prevent you from acting as you want to. (Examples include: women not being able to initiate, or men not being able to say “no.”)

Personal Health

1. Feel good about yourself, and if you don’t—try to examine why. Attempt to get involved with activities or people who “bring you up.”
2. Take care of yourself. If you feel that you might need emotional help or support that cannot be provided by family or friends seek it elsewhere. STSM has counselors and assistance available 24 hours a day. The contact number is 771-7273 or toll free at 800-491-7273.

Communication Skills

1. Communicate what you really want.
2. Say exactly what you are thinking.
3. Set clear limits for acceptable behavior (such as no touching below the waist”).

Assertiveness

1. Believe and act as if your needs are important, without exploiting others.
2. Suggest what you would like to do on a date.

Interpersonal Skills

1. LISTEN to what your partner is saying, and PAY ATTENTION to the meaning of their words.
2. Pay attention to non-verbal cues.
3. View your partner as an equal.

Awareness

1. Observe how the environment around you is changing (such as your being left at a party by your friends when you don’t know how you will get home).
2. Work towards avoiding vulnerable situations.
3. Pay attention to friends’ behavior at parties or social situations. Be on the lookout for strange behavior that is unusual. Date rape drugs do exist and need to be guarded against.
4. Know your rights.
5. Know which behaviors constitute rape.