Rape is a violent crime motivated primarily by desire to control and dominate, rather than by sex. It is illegal.

Taking sexual advantage of a person who is mentally or physically incapable of giving consent is rape. Having sex with a woman who has had too much to drink and has passed out, or is not in control of herself is rape.

Date rape is defined as forced, manipulated, or coerced sexual acts by a friend or acquaintance occuring in a date-like situation.

Be aware of the effects of alcohol and drugs
Drinking, esepcially beyond your “limit” interferes with clear thinking and effective communication. “Against Her Will, a cable television program on the Lifetime Network asserted that 75 percent of the men and 55 percent of the women are intoxicated during date rape.

Learn your limit-both men and women. Don’t get so drunk that you do things you will regret the next day.

Having sexual intercourse with someone who is drunk, or more specifically, a person incapable of resisting is considered rape in a court of law.

Communicate your intentions clearly
If someone starts to offend you or make you feel uncomfortable, tell this person firmly and immediately that he or she is doing something you don’t like. Say no when you mean no. Say it loudly and clearly.

Pay attention to what is happening around you
Watch for nonverbal clues (for example, if someone is touching you more than you are comfortable with). Try not to put yourdelf in vulnerable situations.

If you feel uncomfortable, the best thing to do is leave. A lot of time a person will not want to offend the other party by making an early exit. Baloney! Your personal safety should come first.

Don’t blame yourself
If you are raped, a common reaction is to blame yourself. Don’t do it! Nobody asks to be raped.

Seek emotional support and see a doctor immediately for treatment of injuries or rape exam.

Think about reporting the incident
Ultimately, reporting a rape is your decision. but the police encourage it for several reasons. First, an immediate report will allow valuable evidence to be collected. This increases the chance of apprehension and a successful prosecution.

Second, you will be providing official documentation necessary for criminal prosecution or civil redress if you laterchoose to pursue this course of action.

Finally, many rapists are repeat offenders. You will be providing information on a person who could be responsible for other assaults, thereby protecting yourself as well as others.