Care for yourself, care for your friends.
Most victims of sexual violence know the person who assaults them. You should not stop being cautious just because you or your friends know the people you are with.
Reducing your risk is not about being responsible for an assault. It is NEVER the victim’s fault. Responsibility always lies with the person who commits the assault.
Before you go out
- Have a plan. Decide where you are going ahead of time.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you will be home. If the plans change let them know.
- Be sure to take a cell phone or money for a phone call with you.
- Set aside money for public transportation if needed.
While you are out, party safe
- Always get your own drink. Request that the drink be opened or poured in front of you. If possible take your own beverage.
- Don’t drink from open containers or punch bowls.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended.
- Don’t drink or taste anybody else’s drink.
- Don’t accept drinks from anyone else. Kindly turn down the offer.
- Dispose of your drink if you think it tastes odd. (If you leave it, someone else may drink it).
Be aware of the behavior of your friends. Is their behavior out of character? Do they seem too “out of it” for what they’ve had to drink?
Do you really trust whom you are with? Are you sure they won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do? Will they take “NO” for an answer?
If you are going home with someone different, let someone know. Introduce them to your friends.