Protect Yourself
- Always tell a friend your whereabouts, who you are going with and when you plan to return.
- Travel with trusted friends. Watch out for each other and don’t let a group member wander off alone or with someone unknown.
- Stay in public view and don’t allow unknown individuals to seclude you. Once you are isolated, it may be more difficult to extract yourself from a precarious situation
- Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, leave!
Be Responsible
- Keep all valuables (keys, identification, phone, etc.) with you at all times.
- Be cautious of beverages served from punch bowls. Open your drinks yourself. Never share drinks or leave your beverage unattended. If you lose sight of your drink, discard it. Be aware that date rape drugs can easily be slipped into drinks and cause loss of or altered consciousness.
Obtain Consent
- Clearly communicate your boundaries. If you are not interested in spending time with someone or engaging sexual activity, express your feelings. If you are ignored, be assertive and focus on getting away.
- Be respectful. If a person is not interested in spending time with you or engaging in sexual activity, do not pursue the situation.
- Do not personally engage in or allow anyone in your presence to engage in sexual behavior with a highly intoxicated, high or unconscious individual. If you believe that a person is unable to give consent at that time, or that they are being coerced into a sexual act, request that the activity cease. If the situation persists, seek assistance.