Dating Violence
All Forms of Abuse are Harmful Abuse is the physical, mental, emotional, or sexual mistreatment of another.
Indicators that a Dating Relationship May Be Abusive 1. Tries to pressure the other into sexual activity 2. Tries to make the relationship serious or exclusive right away. 3. Acts jealous or possessive 4. Tries to control the others behavior 5. Yells, swears, emotionally attacks the other 6. Threatens the other with physical violence
Forms of Abuse Physical-intentionally bodily harm or injury to another person. Emotional-attacking anothers persons sense of worth. Verbal: using words to mistreat or injure another person.
Forms of Abuse Sexual-sexual contact that is forced upon someone against their own will. Stalking-repeatedly following, harassing, or threatening an individual.
Protecting Yourself From Abusive Relationships 1. Hang out with others who share your values and treat you with respect. 2. Know your own limits with regard to sexual activity and communicate those limits clearly to anyone you date. 3. Avoid drugs and alcohol 4. Know the warning signs of an abusive relationship.
Date Rape In more than half of the rapes committed, the victim knows the attacker. Being raped by someone you know is more common than left-handedness, heart attacks, or alcoholism.
Most common mistakes made: A teenage girl voluntarily agreeing to go to the house, apartment, or car of a young man she has known for less than 24 hours. The impairment of the victim by drugs or alcohol.
Safety Tips If you are going on a date find out as much as you can about the person. If you dont know your date very well, consider double-dating. Know the dating plans and tell someone. Dont hesitate to be assertive when you say NO. Be aware that alcohol decreases your ability to react and impairs your judgment. If attending a party, do not leave with a guy you dont know very well. Avoid out-of-the way places or secluded areas. Listen to your instincts!
Date Rape Drugs There are at least three date rape drugs. GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid) Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride)
Date Rape Drugs Because of the effect of these drugs, victims may be physically helpless, unable to refuse sex, and cannot remember what happened. The drugs often have no color, smell, or taste. They are easily added to flavored drinks without the victims knowledge.
What do the drugs look like? GHB – liquid with no odor or color, white powder, and pill. Rohypnol – pill that dissolves in liquids (new ones turn blue in liquid) Ketamine – white powder
What effects do these drugs have on the body? They can affect you quickly. The length of time that the effects last varies depending on how much of the drug is taken. Alcohol can worsen the drugs effects.
Is alcohol a date rape drug? Alcohol is a drug that can put a person at risk for unwanted or risky sexual activity. When a person is drinking alcohol: It is harder to think clearly and evaluate a potentially dangerous situation. Its harder to resist sexual or physical assault. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause black-outs and memory loss. If a victim of sexual assault drank alcohol, they are not at fault for being assaulted.
How can I protect myself from being a victim? Dont accept drinks from other people. Open containers yourself. Keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom. Dont share drinks. Dont drink from punch bowls, etc. Dont drink anything that tastes funny. (GHB may taste salty) Have a friend that can watch your back.
If you think that you have been raped: Go to the police station or hospital right away. Get a urine test asap. The drugs leave your system quickly. Rohypnol: 72 hours GHB: 12 hours Dont urinate before getting help. Dont douche, bathe, or change clothes before getting help. You may disturb evidence. Call a crisis center or hotline to talk to a counselor. National Sexual Assault Hotline: HOPE