EMPOWER AND PROTECT YOURSELF:
KNOW RISK REDUCTION TIPS

 Some common ways to avoid risky situations include the following:

• Set sexual limits.

• Practice being assertive.

• Get to know people.

• Find out about how the person you are with feels or what he or she expects. You may not want the same thing.

• Hang out where there are other people and you feel safe.

• Be aware of “date-rape” or “party” drugs.

• Establish buddy systems with your friends.

• Always have extra money to get home.

• Have a plan for someone you can call if you need help.

• Don’t do anything that you don’t want to do.

• Stop or slow down before you get to your sexual limit.

• Use a confident body posture. Look directly at him/her and say “NO” in a serious voice.

 Remember, every drink, alcoholic or not, can be used to administer a drug. Specific behaviors to help avoid drug-assisted sexual assault include:

• Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know and trust.

  • order sealed drinks you can open yourself

  • watch the bartender make your drink and don’t use wait staff

• Never leave your drink unattended; keep it in your hand, even at the bar or table.

  • take your drink to the restroom with you, or

  • get a new drink when you return after being on the dance floor, in the restroom or elsewhere

• If you hear someone in your group kidding about “date drugs,” pay attention.

  • often someone planning to use a drug jokes about it, trying to get a reaction

  • the drug may be added to anything: water, cola, or punch bowls at social gatherings

• Know that even possession of the drug in the United States is a federal crime.

BE AWARE – TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS – BE ASSERTIVE