Dating/Relationship Violence

1. Dating/Relationship Violence Health Mrs. Wagner

2. Date Rape • Unwanted, forced sexual intercourse with someone the victim knows ( family member, co-worker, boyfriend, etc.) • One of the least reported crimes • Reasons: Someone they know – crime? • Most often occurs in the college environment

3. Statistics • 75% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows • 50% will happen on an actual date • 82,000 rapes reported each year • 1/3 of women don’t discuss the rape with anyone and over 90% didn’t report it to the police • 1 in 12 college men admit to sexually abusing women, but do not see themselves as rapists

4. Causes • Poor communication – victim may agree to be alone with person, but not agree to sexual intercourse • Wrong ideas • Alcohol/drug use ( 75% of rapists drink or take drugs before committing the crime) • Owed to them – paid for dinner, agreed and changed mind, met her at a bar, dressed provocatively, been with her before, etc.

5. Signs • Hostility toward women • Misconceptions about women and their needs • Domineering personality • Unrealistic views of women • Men do not have the right to pressure or force a woman to have sex AND • Women have a responsibility to talk openly about sexual expectations. (Be Assertive)

6. Be Safe • Go somewhere public • Find out information about the person • Provide your own transportation • Have cell phone and own money • Watch your drinks • Rohypnol – no taste, no smell, no color – 15 – 20 minutes before it works – causes amnesia • GHB – (Date Rape Drug) – salty taste • Let roommate/friend know • Don’t change plans • Open own drinks – don’t leave lying around

7. Relationships • Signs of problems - Physical abuse – get out – will escalate - Alcohol/drugs – affect judgment, moods, fear - Fights get personal (attacking each other) - Cheating - Jealousy = lack of trust - No boundaries - “No” is ignored - Starts rumors - Makes threats