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Date rape is a very violent and meticulous pre-set crime. It does not just happen by mistake or random systems of events. The perpetrator knows exactly what they are doing and in most cases have performed this action previous to that occasion. The warning signals are there, however many victims do not see them because they become carried away in the events of the evening. It is of the highest level of importance to maintain awareness of your whereabouts at all times so that you are not susceptible to become another victim of this horrible crime. You should limit your consumption of alcohol to a level that will not impair your personal judgment. Rape is a very preventable crime as long as you maintain your personal level of control.

There is the old saying that if something appears to good to be true it probably is. If it appears that your date is trying to hard in his efforts to win your affections you should consider this a warning signal. Physical intimacy should not be rushed into and if you're experience tell you that something is not right with the pacing of the date at any point you should consider cutting things short. If it feels like he is trying to encourage new territory to be reached during the date, you must consider whether to continue with the evening. Failure to listen to your inner voice is one of the ways that women in this situation become victims. If you do not trust this individual you should not put yourself in any situation with them where you will be alone. Another warning signal is if he is over concerned with physical appearance or previous relationships. If the majority of the conversation is about either of these topics you must become cautious and self protective.

If the balance of power shifts to where your date is speaking for you, concern should come into your mind. This is an attempt to see if you can be controlled. Although the effort may appear innocent, it is actually an effort to learn about your personal boundaries. Once a perpetrator feels that the control is in their realm they will start to become more aggressive. If he makes you feel dumb or powerless you need to flee. Most of these men feel that they are better then women and this should reveal itself within the first few hours of the date. He will force the issue of you drinking with him, and continue to buy you drinks until your mind is not clear. This might also be the stage at which he slips a date rape drug into your drink. Never leave your drink alone with someone that you do not know well.

Never go into private settings with a new date. This setting gives him the power over you. Always keep yourself aware of where all the exits are in any given location in case you need to make a quick exit. If you are attacked fight for all you are worth unless the attacker has a weapon. You will not talk him out of rape and thus there is very little use in trying. If you have been a victim seek help right away. This was not your fault in any way.

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