Stay sober! ... Use alcohol responsibly. Drinking alcohol decreases inhibitions and can lead
to behavior that is less rational and more impulsive. Only you are responsible for
your behavior regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed. Learn what your limits
are and do not exceed them.
Do not take drugs as they affect your judgment. Taking illegal drugs is especially dangerous because you can never be sure of the
exact content.
You are committing sexual assault if you have sex with a person who is under the influence
of alcohol or drugs, or is unconscious and not able to give permission or resist.
Let someone close to you know where you are going and who you are going with. Let
this person know an approximate time that you can be expected to return.
Pay attention to how the person expresses his/her feelings and emotions. How does
(s)he feel about women/men? Does (s)he feel that women/men are sex objects? Watch
how (s)he treats you and others.
Insist that you be treated with respect. Communicate your expectations and sexual
limits and talk to your date about them. Allow your date to express his/her expectations
and opinions too.
Recognize and deal with peer pressure wisely. Unfortunately both men and women are
sometime encouraged by their peers to be sexually active in order to fit in with a
group. Do not be swayed by peer pressure – think for yourself – you are the one who
will live with the consequences.
Rape is not a crime of passion. It is motivated by the desire to control, dominate and demean.
Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, either do not accept the date, or if already on the date,
leave as quickly as possible.
Take a self-defense course
Sexual assault and harassment does happen and it can happen to you. If it happens to you, do not keep silent. There are people on campus who care. A
list of campus resources is available by clicking on "Help is Available." Please do not hesitate to ask for help or guidance.
