Signs of Rape
10 warning signs 1. Being alone with someone you don't know well
2. Not knowing how you're going to get home
3. An instinctive 'bad feeling' about a situation
4. Drinking too much alcohol
5. Accepting drinks from people, particularly if the drink tastes or smells 'funny'
6. Guys who don't listen to you or show respect
7. A guy who insists on coming into your house when he drops you home
8. Unwanted touching by a guy
9. Guys who say 'You would if you loved me …'
10. A friend who's not in control and is being taken advantage of:
There are a few things you can look out for to avoid ending up in a situation where you don't feel comfortable. Whether you've only recently met the guy or you've been going out for a while, it helps to think about what you want out of the relationship.
Going out or going on a date If you're going on a date or meeting up with somebody you don't know very well, you might like to:
- go out in a group or on a double date so you can suss him out
- pay your own way so he doesn't get the wrong idea about you 'owing' him anything (but remember - even if he does pay, you never owe him sex)
- organise your transport home before you leave
- take a mobile phone with you
- be careful about inviting him into your house or going to his (most date rapes happen in the home).
Alcohol Some guys will be really generous and buy you drinks all night, but they might have hidden reasons. Getting a girl drunk is a common way to make her drop her inhibitions.
You may be less able to refuse someone who is making a move on you or pressuring you to do something you don't want to do. It's best to buy your own drinks and to keep an eye on them. Read more about alcohol and drugs.
Be choosy about guys Be careful about who you hang out with. There's no sure way to tell which guys could be dodgy, but watch out for guys who:
- ignore you or don't really listen to you
- do unwanted touching or invade your personal space
- want to control what you do and make decisions for you
- make suggestive or crude remarks about women.