Acquaintance rape is sexual assault by a friend, date, acquaintance or relative. Here are some ways for women and men to prevent this crime:

1. No means no. Do not fall for the common stereotype that when a woman says “No” she really means “Yes.” If a woman says “No” to sexual contact, STOP.
2. Listen carefully. Take the time to hear what the woman is saying. If you feel she is not being direct or is giving you a “mixed message,” ask for clarification.
3. Remember that date rape is a crime. It is never acceptable to use force in sexual situations.
4. Do not make assumptions about a woman’s behavior. Kissing, heavy drinking, provocative dress, visiting your room, or previous sexual contact does not mean consent to sexual intercourse.
5. Having sex with someone who is mentally or physically incapable of giving consent is rape. You may be guilty of rape if you have sex with a woman who is under the influence of drugs, mentally ill, mentally retarded, intoxicated, passed out, incapable of saying “No” or unaware of what is happening around her.
6. Be very careful in group situations. Take action to stop potentially violent or criminal acts.
7. Get involved. If you see a woman in trouble at a party or a male friend using force or pressuring a woman, intervene. You may save the woman from sexual assault and your friend from criminal prosecution.

1. You have the right to say “No” to any unwanted sexual contact. If you are uncertain, ask the man to respect your feelings.
2. Say “No” firmly and directly, with a firm tone of voice and clear body language. Do not give mixed messages.
3. Do not rely on “ESP” to get your message across. You must tell the person how you feel.
4. Remember that some men think that if you drink heavily, dress provocatively, or go to their rooms, you are willing to have sex. Communicate your limits and intentions clearly in such situations.
5. Go out with friends you can trust. Agree to look out for one another. Try to leave with a group, rather than alone or with someone you do not know very well.
6. Listen to your feelings. If you feel uncomfortable, or think you may be at risk, leave immediately and go to a safe place.
7. Do not be afraid to make a scene if you feel threatened. If you feel pressured or coerced into sexual activity against your will, do not hesitate to state your feelings. Call for help, and get out of the situation-even if it seems awkward or embarrassing.

Both men and women should be especially careful in situations involving the use of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs can interfere with your ability to assess situations and communicate effectively.

Although rape by strangers is less frequent than acquaintance rape, it can be physically more dangerous. Some ways to protect yourself:

1. Always be aware of what is going on around you. Stay alert to your surroundings.
2. Walk with confidence-head up, shoulders straight.
3. At night, stick to well-lighted, populated areas and walk with another person. Avoid walking alone or in isolated areas.
4. Take extra precautions in parking lots, stairwells, elevators, bathrooms, and dark areas with shrubbery. Many assaults by strangers occur in these places.
5. If you suspect someone is following you, go where there are other people immediately. If you choose to run, run as fast as you can and scream for help.
6. Follow your instincts. If you think you may be in danger, or you see a suspicious person, leave the area. Report your suspicions to the authorities.

1. Always lock your door, even if you run down the hall for just a few minutes.
2. Do not prop security doors open.
3. In facilities that require a special key, do not admit anyone who does not have one, no matter how presentable their appearance or how plausible their request. Simply tell them, “I would like to help you, but we are very concerned about security in this residence.” Direct them to the resident assistant on duty.

• Get to a safe place.
• Call a friend, family member or the police for transportation to a hospital.
• Call a rape crisis hot-line and/or friends for support and information.
• Go to a hospital for treatment of external and/or internal injuries, tests for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, evidence collection, and support services.

• If you shower, bath, douche, change clothes, or straighten up the area, you will destroy evidence you may need.
• Reporting to the police is your choice.
• Consider seeing a counselor with special expertise in working with rape survivors.

Medical Help: After an assault, it is important to get a physical examination even if you feel you have not received physical injuries. A medical examination will include treatment of any internal and/or external injuries and testing for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, pregnancy, and other physical effects.

Medical evidence should be collected as soon after the assault as possible. Your informed consent is required for this procedure. Physical evidence such as semen, particles of the attacker’s hair and clothing, and a description of physical injuries are often crucial if the case goes to court.

When you go to the hospital, it is helpful to bring a change of clothing. It is vitally important that you avoid taking a shower or bath immediately after the rape. It may be especially difficult to fight the urge to clean up, but cleaning up will destroy valuable evidence you may need later.

Police Help: Police will transport a woman who has been raped to the hospital whether or not she chooses to file a report against her assailant. A female officer will be provided to accompany you if you prefer whenever possible. You also may bring a friend or advocate with you to provide support and assistance while speaking with the police and during medical exams. For an on-campus assault, call UWP Campus Police at 342-1584. For an off-campus assault, call the police department at 911.

The decision to report a sexual assault to the police must be given serious consideration. Reporting can lead to apprehension of the rapist and prevent victimization of other women in the future. However, individual considerations sometimes may outweigh the reasons for reporting.

Over the last few years there have been a number of reports of sexual assault in which drugs and/or other substances have been slipped into the victims' beverages. For centuries, rapists have used alcohol to overcome their victims. Now they can use a wide variety of substances to commit sexual assaults.

If someone believes he/she may have been drugged, he/she should seek immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms may be dizziness, confusion, sudden and unexplained drowsiness, trouble with motor coordination, impaired judgement, disinhibition, or disproportionately inebriated in relation to the amount of alcohol consumed.

• Don't leave drinks/beverages unattended
• Don't accept open container drinks from anyone at parties
• At business establishments only accept drinks from a server, waitress, or bartender
• Watch out for each other
• Don't take drinks from a punch bowl
• Don't share or exchange drinks
• Don't drink from a container being passed around
• Buy your own drinks or go with the person to purchase them
• If your drink has been left unattended - discard it
• Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance (salty taste, excessive foam, or unexplained residue