RISK REDUCTION |
What Women Need To Know |
What Men Need To Know |
If someone, even someone you thought cared about you, forces his/her wants on you it's OK to defend yourself. Don't be afraid to use vilence to get out of a bad situation.
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Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs; they interfere with clear thinking and effective communication.
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Know that it's OK to initiate and to be in charge.
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You don't always have to initiate, be "in charge" or make all of the decisions.
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It's never OK to force someone else to have sex - by putting them down, threatening them, or any other means. It's not OK for them to do it to you, and its's not OK for you to do it to them.
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Be aware of stereotypes; don't play into harmful ones. Aggression does not equal masculinity!
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Say no when you mean no and yes when you mean yes. Communicate your limits clearly.
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Physical affection doesn't always have to lead to sex.
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Be alert to what is going on around you.
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If you sense any hesitancy in your partner, STOP what you are doing and talk about it.
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Be aware of stereotypes; don't play into harmful ones. Compliance does not equal femininity!
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"No" always means "no." Ask if you are uncertain about what your partner wants you to do. Don't continue afer "No."
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Be honest: communicate your feelings and what you want honestly, asswertively, and respectively.
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Someone saying "no" to sexual activity does not mean a rejection of you; most often it is just the activity causing the discomfort
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Know your sexual desires and limits. believe in your right to set those limits. It is important to give some thought to the limits before you get involved in an intimate situation. This will help you to set limits in an unambiguous way.
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It is never OK to force yourself on someone else - even if you think your partner is teasing or leading your on, even if you've heard that women say "no" but mean "yes," even if you think it's manly to use force.
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Trust your instincts. If you are in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, trust your intuition. Either leave or confront the person immediately and directly - if you don't like it, let the person know. Communicate discomfort immediately. The further things go, the harder it is to get out of it!
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Don't believe that a past ceratin point you "just can't stop" - if your mother walked in the room, you would be able to stop! If your partner says "no" and you don't stop it's because you decided your gratificationwas more important than respecting that other person.
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Avoid escessive use of alcohol and drugs; they interfere with clear thinking and effective communication. Also, it is hard to be in tune with your instincts if your senses are dulled.
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Know your sexual desires and limits. Communicate them clearly. Be aware of social pressures
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Be willing to inconvenience others to ensure your own well-being.
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Don't assume that previous permission for sexual contact applies to the current situation.
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Have a buddy or friend who knows where you are.
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Be honest: it is OK to communicate what you want honestly, assertively, and respectfully. |
Don't be afraid to leave, run for it, fight back, or scream.
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Forced sexual intercorse is rap - a 2nd degree felony. Oral, anal, or vaginal penetration is all legally sexual assault; so is getting someone so drunk they can't say yes or no. The penalty for sexual assault is 2 - 20 years and/or a $10,000 fine.
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