Tips for a Safer Holiday Season Holidays mean parties and get-togethers with friends and acquaintances. Holidays are a time to be merry and celebrate. Holidays mean fun, food and drink. During the holidays, however, we must use caution to make this a special time for ourselves. If you drink, pay extra attention to who is around you. Alcohol lowers people's inhibitions. People who are normally shy become more outgoing and friendly. Alcohol is to blame for about 75 percent of sexual assults and rapes. What is a sexual assault? A sexual assault is any sexual contact with a person committed against his/her will. Sexual assault is an evil crime. It is a crime that hurts the body and also steals the soul away from a person. Victim's of sexual assault and rape NEVER forget the experience. Their lives are changed forever. What happens to the rapists? Nothing happens unless the victim reports the assault. Why don't victims always report the assault to the police? Some victims feel it is their fault for drinking too much. Sexual assault is NEVER the victims' fault. Rapists often go on to attack other people unless stopped. How are they stopped? The victims can meet with an advocate who will help report the assault to the police. The rapist will be charged with a crime. MAYBE this will stop them from raping anyone else. TIPS: WOMEN: * Avoid places where drinking is the reason for the party. * Be assertive. If you do not want to have sex, say so. * Trust yourself. If you do not feel comfortable at a party, leave right away. * Use the "buddy system". Go to a party with someone and watch each other. If you or your friend have too much to drink, call a cab. * Do not let a stranger drive you home. MEN: * Sexual assault is never okay. You do not have the right to force anyone to have sex with you. * If a woman says "no", show respect for her wishes. * If a woman is drunk, do not take advantage of her. * If you and a woman had sex before, it is not okay to have sex when she cannot or does not agree. * If a woman dresses sexy and flirts with you, it does not mean she wants to have sex with you. Make this a good holiday season for yourself and others. Victims of sexual assault and rape need not remain silent. Call: Kathy Schumacher--Sexual Assault/Rape Advocate Health and Wellness Program Serving Deaf & Hard of Hearing People Regions Hospital TTY: 651-254-3584 Email: Kathy.G.Schumacher@HealthPartners.com |
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