Safety for Teens & Young Adults

Women in college who use drugs, attend a university with high drinking rates, belong in a sorority, and drank heavily in high school are at greater risk for rape while intoxicated (Mohler-Kuo et al. 2004).

Drugs commonly used by assailants to make victims vulnerable to the crime are:

• Alcohol (the most common)
• GHB ("Liquid G", "Easy Lay", "Grievous Bodily Harm").
• Rohypnol ("Roofies", or "Roaches").
• Ketamine ("Special K", or "Vitamin K").

Take action: reduce your risk of being "slipped a drug" by:

• Being in charge of your own drink at all times.
• Paying attention to your behavior: are you feeling drunk, disoriented, or sick.
• Saying no; do not accept any drinks (even water) or open containers.
• Refusing to drink a beverage with an unusual taste or appearance.

Remember:

• Do not mix drinks or try new ones – they can cover up the taste of drugs.
• Alcohol alone can have a sedative effect.
• Trust your instincts. When something feels wrong, believe it and deal with it immediately.
• Hang out in groups or double date.
• Plan ahead-- know where you're going and how you're getting home.
• Make plans with a friend or campus escort services who will "rescue" you from a bad situation.
• Never get into a car with someone you do not know or trust.
• Stay sober and alert. Using alcohol and drugs can affect how you think.
• Never loan your apartment or room key to anyone.

A Healthy Relationship is the Key to Safety:

• Both people understand the meaning of consent.
• Both people must be sober and awake to say "yes" and know what's happening
• Both people need to be 100% sure what sexual acts they are comfortable performing.
• There is no force—only respect and understanding.
• Each person must give permission for each sexual act. The word "no" must be respected.
• Express your feelings and thoughts clearly.