Online Dating Safety Tips for Women; Avoiding Sexual Assault!
The unfortunate reality of the world that we live is that women are faced with the ever-present danger of sexual assault when it comes to dating regardless of where you meet someone. It’s a reality! Incidents of date rape are on the rise because in part perpetrators get a chance to hide behind fake personas online. Due diligence is wise and taking extra security measures can sometimes make for safer dating experiences. Our goal with this page is to merely provide some insights and resources.
Sexual assault is a reality – know what it means
You need to know what the term means; so that you can guard yourself against it. Unsolicited attention with sexual overtones; either verbal or physical comes under sexual assault. The definition is also extended to molestation, rape, sexual harassment, and suggestive touches.
What are the facts on date rape?
Rape is a heinous crime and unfortunately is the leading type of sexual assault on dates. It can be defined as non-consensual or coerced sex forced upon a person. It is not unheard of for strangers in a group date setting to have also perpetrated this crime, but more often it is carried out by a person that is already known to the victim in a private setting. Invariably, perpetrators are men and the victims of such a crime are women. Females in the age group of 15 to 24 years are at greatest risk.
Be wary of date rape drugs
Date rape drugs have emerged as a serious threat to the safety and sanctity of a woman’s life and body. Here is what typically happens in these horrendous scenarios. The perpetrator drugs the unsuspecting date and then proceed to rape them; in the drugged state the victim is unable to offer any resistance and sometimes does not even remember the assault. The most common modus operandi is to slip the tasteless, non-smelling and fast-acting dangerous drugs into the unsuspecting victim’s drinks.
Date rape drugs most commonly used are Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine. Do you know what their street names are? Rohypnol is available as R-2, Roach, Rophies; Cherry Meth, Liquid Ecstasy, Easy Lay are slang for GHB; ketamine is known as Kit Kat, Cat Valium, and K-Hole.
The FAQ page on date rape drugs on the U.S Department of Health & Human Services Women’s Health website is a useful resource that should be bookmarked.
Safety Tips
While date rape and sexual assaults are by no means the norm when going on a date with an online friend, it is imperative that you be aware of the due diligence that you need to take beforehand. The tips given below are very important in this context.
- Give consent to go out on a date with someone only after you have been sufficiently acquainted with the person.
- Enjoy your date but be aware of where you are and what’s happening around you.
- Keep an eye on your drink at all times, particularly as it is being mixed or prepared.
- Know your threshold for alcohol consumption and stay below it. Don’t get drunk. It gives would-be rapists an opportunity to slyly mix a drug in your drink.
- Avoid poorly ventilated venues, dark nooks and crannies, and isolated places.
There is help if you need it!
- If you feel that you have been assaulted sexually, get in touch with the nearest police station and have your complaint recorded. Do not hold yourself responsible for the assault. The assaulter has no rights; morally, ethically, and legally to assault you. It is imperative that the perpetrator be prosecuted.
- Speak to your family & friends – get support.
- Approach a counselor who can help you cope with the experience.
- Get a medical check done as soon as possible. A medical check is also necessary to test for STDs.
RESOURCES
- 1. United States –
- · A list of national organizations on the Department of Justice website. The National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
- · Comprehensive list of online resources on violence against women.
- · Information on sexual assault at National Clearinghouse on Marital and Date Rape.
- 2. United Kingdom – Victim Support provides support for victims of sexual assault.
- 3. Australia – The National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Help line number is 1800-200-526.
- · Australian Institute of Family Studies website with links to publications on sexual assault.
- · About Date Rape is a NSW government website for information on date rape. It has a section on male date rape victims.