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Danger: Is It Date Rape?
Here's the really serious stuff—a woman is vulnerable to rape in her own home, or even if she voluntarily goes to someone else's home. Even if she consents to some activity, that does not imply consent for all sexual activity. When a woman says, "No" or "Stop" that means STOP. Even if alcohol or drugs are involved, even if she doesn't put up a fight—even if she's a former girlfriend—it's rape if she says, "No."
You can't be too careful—date-rape drugs such as GHB, Rohypnol or Ketamine can render a victim unconscious and with limited memory. Using these drugs is a federal crime that carries a possible 20-year sentence.
A few rules:
- Don't accept open drinks, whether they're alcoholic or not, from someone you don't trust.
- At parties, accept only drinks that come in closed containers. Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.
- Do not drink from punch bowls, pitchers, or tubs.
Another idea: Carry a DrinkSafe date rape drug test package of drink testing strips or coasters in your purse or pocket.
Health concerns »
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Related Oprah.com Resources
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Related WebMD Resources
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SOURCES: Pepper Schwartz, PhD, sociologist, University of Washington, Seattle. Paul Falzone, author, Find the Right One.
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