"Never talk to strangers". It is a timeless piece of advice that parents have been telling their children for generations. The implied threat is hardly ever explained, but as adults we know sexual crimes top the list. Although the stranger danger adage has been repeated over and over, it is only partially true. It may shock you to find that 8 out of 10 rape victims know their attacker.
Thousands of young women head off to college campuses every year, completely unprepared for the most common source of danger - acquaintances and dates. Being assaulted by someone you know and think you can trust carries a whole new set of baggage. Feelings of betrayal, a sense of responsibility, and perception of guilt. You may receive less support from friends and peers, as their loyalties are torn between the two sides.
All too often rape is brushed off and goes unreported. When it is treated as nothing more than a no harm done alchohol induced misunderstanding, a staggering 9 out of 10 date rape cases are never reported. This leaves only the victim, to carry the emotional scars and they can and do carry them for many years.
Heading off to school is supposed to be an exciting and challenging time, but it's also very difficult. Many kids have a hard time adjusting to life away from home. Some withdraw to their rooms and their books and others go a little haywire. It doesn't make them bad- just vulnerable.
There are many things you need to know, but if you can arm you kids with these six thoughts- it's a start.
The only sure way to prevent a miscarriage of justice is to prevent the crime. When alcohol and young people mix, situations can easily get out of hand. Your judgement goes downhill and so does your perception and then before you see anything coming- you have a mess on your hands.
While on a date or in a social situation, if a voice in your head says that something is wrong, stop and listen. If someone is making you uncomfortable, tell them to stop immediately. And then you need to go. Your safety is much more important than slight embarrassment or hurting someones feelings.
It is very easy to be charmed by a perfect guy, especially if you haven't done a lot of dating. But if you start to feel swamped and overwhelmed watch out for the danger signs of a potentially abusive relationship.
It's bound to happen that you'll be out with a one of the girls and she'll have too much to drink. You may not bail out on her when she is vulnerable. Be a true friend. No matter how hard it is for you, leave with her and take her to a safe place.
If you're probably going to be drinking make a like a wildebeest and stay with the herd. There is some safety in numbers.
A college campus is filled with all sorts of people. Your trust is something that must be earned, not given away. Seemingly nice people are capable of doing terrible things. College is supposed to be some of the best years of your life, don't let a bad decision leave a mark on it that could scar you for life. - 16747
Thousands of young women head off to college campuses every year, completely unprepared for the most common source of danger - acquaintances and dates. Being assaulted by someone you know and think you can trust carries a whole new set of baggage. Feelings of betrayal, a sense of responsibility, and perception of guilt. You may receive less support from friends and peers, as their loyalties are torn between the two sides.
All too often rape is brushed off and goes unreported. When it is treated as nothing more than a no harm done alchohol induced misunderstanding, a staggering 9 out of 10 date rape cases are never reported. This leaves only the victim, to carry the emotional scars and they can and do carry them for many years.
Heading off to school is supposed to be an exciting and challenging time, but it's also very difficult. Many kids have a hard time adjusting to life away from home. Some withdraw to their rooms and their books and others go a little haywire. It doesn't make them bad- just vulnerable.
There are many things you need to know, but if you can arm you kids with these six thoughts- it's a start.
The only sure way to prevent a miscarriage of justice is to prevent the crime. When alcohol and young people mix, situations can easily get out of hand. Your judgement goes downhill and so does your perception and then before you see anything coming- you have a mess on your hands.
While on a date or in a social situation, if a voice in your head says that something is wrong, stop and listen. If someone is making you uncomfortable, tell them to stop immediately. And then you need to go. Your safety is much more important than slight embarrassment or hurting someones feelings.
It is very easy to be charmed by a perfect guy, especially if you haven't done a lot of dating. But if you start to feel swamped and overwhelmed watch out for the danger signs of a potentially abusive relationship.
It's bound to happen that you'll be out with a one of the girls and she'll have too much to drink. You may not bail out on her when she is vulnerable. Be a true friend. No matter how hard it is for you, leave with her and take her to a safe place.
If you're probably going to be drinking make a like a wildebeest and stay with the herd. There is some safety in numbers.
A college campus is filled with all sorts of people. Your trust is something that must be earned, not given away. Seemingly nice people are capable of doing terrible things. College is supposed to be some of the best years of your life, don't let a bad decision leave a mark on it that could scar you for life. - 16747
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For those who are not comfortable carrying a weapon, videos like "Street Sense - Smart Self Defense for Women" are an excellent alternative and demonstrate self defense techniques that don't require a weapon.
