Date rape

Date rape doesn't just happen on dates. Date rape is forced sex between two people who know each other. Most often girls or young women are the victims of date rape. But it can happen to boys and young men too. Here are some facts on date rape.

• Date rape is common. About 1 in 4 girls will be the victim of a date rape or attempted date rape.
• Girls are more often the victims. But date rape can still happen to boys.
• Alcohol or drug use puts young women at risk. When under the influence of drugs or alcohol, people let their guard down. They may get themselves in risky situations that they wouldn't otherwise. For instance, they may let themselves be alone with someone they don't know very well.
• Rohypnol (pronounced rup-in-ol) is a dangerous drug that can be slipped into a drink. It makes people feel paralyzed, get blurred vision or memory black-outs. It is sometimes called "roofies" or the "forget pill". GHB and Ketamine are other odorless colorless drugs used in date rapes.

Here are some things you can teach or tell your child which may prevent date rape.

• Teach your child not to be alone with peers or other adults until they know them very well and trust them.
• Encourage your child not to drink or use drugs.
• If your child does drink, tell them:
• not to let anyone else handle their drink;
• to avoid punch bowls; and
• don't take open drinks from other people.
• Teach your child to say "No" and mean it. This is for any situation that feels uncomfortable, as well as sex, drinking, and drug use.
• Sign your daughter up for a self-defense class. They are often available for free through local rape crisis centers.
• If your child is raped, teach them to get away quickly and go to a safe place. Then they should get help from parents, the police, their doctor or a rape crisis center right away.