When a Date = Danger Zone
The following is a checklist of behaviors that should set off alarms in your head whether you're
drinking or not. Don't let your politeness or intoxication put you in a threatening situation. If a
person you're with at a party or bar displays any of these behaviors, stay alert enough to call a friend
and ask him or her to help you get home safely.
Whatever you do, do not get into a car or go home with a person who shows any of these signs:
- Not listening to you, interrupting you, or ignoring you.
- Disregarding your space boundaries and touching you without your consent.
- Trying to make you feel guilty if you won't do something sexual or using red flag words like "uptight," "prude," or "tease."
- Acting possessive, jealous, or paranoid and becoming upset if anyone else looks at or talks to you.
- Drinking heavily.
Protect Yourself
Here are some tactics to use to avoid getting involved in a dangerous sexual situation.
- Avoid drinking too much. Alcohol impairs your ability to make smart choices.
- Talk to your date beforehand to make sure you are on the same page about where the night is going.
- Don't go back to someone's room or leave a party with someone you don't know well.
- Trust your gut. If you feel at all uncomfortable, get out of the situation.
- When going on a date with someone new, make sure to tell a friend what your plans are so that someone knows where you will be.
- Take a self-defense class. That way, you will know what to do if things get too physical.
If you are in doubt about where to turn for assistance, please feel free to call the Counseling Center at 661-654-3366
Acknowledgement
This information was prepared by the Children of Alcoholics Foundation and the American Council for
Drug Education to assist students with relationship issues. Information contained herein was gleaned from
on-line publications found at the following location:
http://www.factsontap.org/factsontap/risky/index.htm