Date rape may not involve force or violence like you may have seen in movies or on television.  Date rape is non-consensual sex.  Non-consensual means that it is without agreement, meaning one person did not agree to sexual intercourse.  Sometimes an individual is not able to give consent because he/she is "passed-out" from drugs or alcohol.  The bottom line is this, no matter what you did or didn't do leading up to sexual intercourse, if you communicated "No," verbally or non-verbally, or you were not able to communicate, you have been assaulted. 

Do not let anyone say you deserved it because you let someone take you on a date, buy you a gift, you agreed to go to his/her house, or maybe you didn't dress appropriately.  No one has the right to force you to have sexual intercourse, or for that matter, any other form of sexual activity.

If something has happened to you, tell someone.  Tell your mom, your dad, a teacher, a counselor.  Do not carry the burden. Get help.  Maybe you will help prevent it from happening to someone else.   There are lots of resources out there to help you or someone you know deal with the emotional and/or physical consequences of date rape.

There are many practical ways to protect yourself from sexual assault or date rape.  Here are a few:

• Do not go anywhere alone with someone you do not know well.  You may be putting yourself in a compromising situation. Stay with a group.  While you are with a group, avoid going alone with another person to an isolated place, like a person's car or bedroom.
   
• Say "No" verbally and non-verbally!  Communicate clearly and directly about your decision to not have sex.  Make eye contact and do not smile or giggle.  Communicate to the other person that you are serious. If the situation warrants it, push the person away with your hand or body.  Leave the room.  Run and scream if necessary.  You may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed at rejecting the other person's advances, but consider the consequences. 
   
• Do not joke or kid around about having sex. If the subject comes up, let him/her know your intentions to remain sexually abstinent until marriage and that you will not be changing your mind on the date, no matter how well it goes.
   
• Avoid situations where alcohol or drugs may be involved.  Approximately 90% of date rape occurs when alcohol is involved.  Never leave your drink unattended or take a drink from someone.  Drugs, often referred to as "date rape drugs," can be added and consumed without noticing any change in color, taste, or odor.