A music video recently released by Amanda Palmer, called Oasis, which talks about being at a party, being slipped a date rape drug, being raped, then having an abortion was recently rejected from MTV. Many are arguing it is a joke or that it borders censorship but I, for one, was happy to see that MTV does have a limit to what they will allow to be shown on their station. I feel it desensitizes a very serious problem.
With that said...
Rape is any sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) that is not wanted. Sometimes a rapist will use physical force, fear, drugs, alcohol, or other methods to force a teen to have sex. It is also considered date rape if a teen agrees to one type of sex, but then is forced into other sexual acts.
Rape may not be avoidable but these are a few thing you can do to reduce the risks of being raped:
- Stay in control; don't drink or use drugs.
- Don't get in a car with someone you don't know well.
- Try not to do things alone; go places with friends, and consider sticking to group dates.
- Always carry a cell phone and some extra money in case you need to get out of a situation.
- Learn how to defend yourself.
- Decide your limits, anyone who pressures you to change doesn't care about you, avoid them.
- If someone is trying to force you into doing something, loudly tell them "no", "get away"
- Trust your instincts; if you are not comfortable with a person or situation, get away.
My next post will get more detailed about date rape drugs but you should be aware that date rape drugs are:
- Often used to rape teens.
- Usually have no smell, taste, or color.
- Added to a drink without you knowing.
- Used to cause one to become helpless - unable to move, see, or get away.
To avoid being the victim of date rape drugs:
- You should not drink alcohol.
- If you are going to drink limit the number of drinks you consume.
- Only drink from containers you open yourself and have always been in your control - including while you were in the bathroom.
If you know or think that you have been raped:
- Get away from the area without touching anything
- Go to an emergency room or police station immediately - before showering, washing, urinating, or changing clothes.
Nurses and doctors are trained to help you, make a record of your injuries, and check you for evidence that can be used against an attacker. Even if you choose not to press charges you should seek medical attention so they can be treat your injuries, and checked for sexually transmitted diseases. Even if your attacker used a condom, STD's can still be spread.
Date rape causes emotional harm, including feelings of guilt, depression, anger, distrust, and worthlessness, trouble sleeping, and may effect sexual relations later in life. Rape victims should seek counseling to help them heal from the emotional damage of rape, and join a support group for rape victims. Most areas offer free counseling to rape victims.
Remember that it is not your fault if you were raped.
If you know someone who is a victim of date rape, listen, offer comfort, help the person get medical care and counseling, and let them know the rape was not their fault.
