Mar6th
Posted by Chris at 10:32 AM. Filed under: Self Defense
Dating is a right of passage for adolescents and young adults, but there are more dangers to dating than heartbreak. Women ages 16-24 are four times more likely to be raped and 80-90 percent of female rape victims know their attacker. Sixteen percent of male students who committed rape took part in episodes involving more than one attacker. Seven to10 percent of rape victims are male and their attackers are almost always male.
These are alarming statistics that many people would rather not think about. Date rape, also known as acquaintance rape, is a very real possibility for men and women. But those at risk can take this knowledge and form tactics to prevent date rape.
1) Avoid men who exhibit signs of dominance or hostility toward women. Some warning signs may be:
· Emotional intimidation such as belittling comments, ignoring, sulking, and dictating friends or style of dress.
· An air of superiority
· Body posturing such as blocking a doorway
· Harboring negative attitudes towards women.
· Extreme jealousy and controlling behavior
· Wanting one to engage in activities that limit resistance, such as drinking, drugs or going to an isolated place.
2) Be clear about the kind of relationship you want.
3) Stay sober and be aware of your surroundings — 75% of college rapes involve the use of drugs or alcohol.
4) Listen to your intuition! If something feels wrong, it is wrong.
5) Be assertive and don’t be afraid to “create a scene” if necessary.
6) If you say no and they don’t stop, scream no and create distance. Get away immediately.
7) When going out, buddy-up with a friend and look-out for each other.
8) Never leave a drink unattended! ( see “On Guard” blog at pmaduluth.com)
9) Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help.
10) Take a self-defense course. Knowledge is power.
If you are raped, don’t change clothes or take a shower and go straight to the ER. There are doctors and counselors there who are trained to help.
Date rape is often a difficult subject to talk but remember “Knowledge is Power.”
Feb1st
Posted by Chris at 10:32 AM. Filed under: Drugs, Self Defense, Women
Special K, Make Her Mine, Liquid Dream, EZ-Lay, Forget Me Pill, R2 Do U, Ruff Up, Scoop Her, Get Her to Bed, X Rater are not the names of X-rated movies. These are just a few of the street names used for date rape drugs, or more accurately predator drugs. Medically known as Rohypnol, Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and Ketamine, these drugs are easily attainable at a low cost, which has put a very potent weapon in the hands of sexual predators. All three drugs have harmful effects such as loss of inhibition, amnesia, loss of motor control, euphoria and intoxication. They also have potentially lethal effects such as coma, severe respiratory depression and an abnormally slow heart beat. Worse, these drugs are odorless, tasteless and colorless, which enables predators to spike drinks, food and even cigarettes. It’s obvious how easily a drug-facilitated rape could be accomplished. Men are not immune from this threat; ten percent of predator drug victims are male.
Some may think that predator drugs are not a problem in our region. Unfortunately, these drugs are here and you need to be on guard. So, what can you do to protect yourself? Remember “Knowledge is Power” and we use knowledge to form “tactics”.
- Go to parties and clubs with friends. Don’t ditch your friends!
- Do not accept opened drinks or drinks in glasses from anyone you do not know or trust.
- At bars or clubs, always order your drinks directly from the bartender and watch him/her prepare your drink.
- Bring your drink with you! Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.
- Never drink from punch bowls, pitchers, or other community containers.
- If a friend seems “too intoxicated”, get someone to help you with your friend if necessary and leave immediately.
Knowledge is Power, Use It!
Visit these websites for more information about date rape drugs:
About: Teen Advice
US Drug Enforcement Administration
The Federal Government Source for Women’s Health Information
Men Against Sexual Assault
Local Resources
PAVSA (Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault)
24-Hour Hotline:
Toll free: 1-866-229-7425
218-726-1442
Address:
32 East 1st Street
Suite 200
Duluth, Minnesota 55802
Email: pavsa@pavsa.org
North Shore Horizons Domestic Abuse/ Sexual Assault
24-Hour Crisis Line:
218-834-5924
1-800-834-5923
Address:
525 4th Ave.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
