Going out on a date, should be equivalent to a fun experience that people would be fond of doing. Unfortunately, due to ever-increasing incidents of date rape, especially women seem today reluctant to go out with men they barely know and even if they do are extremely afraid of opening up or letting themselves drink a glass more than usual. Date rape has entered the US college life, the work premises, the friends' parties and the city's bars. Instead of people meeting other people and exploring the possibility of a romantic relationship with each other, sexual frustration and deprivation leads to criminal behavior. As long as some unscrupulous individuals decide to take advantage of a particular situation and use the trust they receive from the women they date against their safety and well-being, thousands of women are led to the psychologists' chairs scarred for life.



Since under normal circumstances, no woman wishes to experience what it feels like to be a helpless rape victim, women of all ages should be informed on what to watch out so as to reduce their chances of becoming a number in the ever-growing social ill that continues to increase every year. One should keep in mind that reading the following advice is imperative as the recent statistics show that women between the ages of 16 and 24 are 4 times more prone to date rape.

- Do not drink: According to researchers, 90 percent of date rape cases occur when the victim is drunk. During that stage, a person experiences the weakest state of mind and cannot resist the exercised force. Not being able to fight back and protect themselves, women are left helpless to the hands of these criminals. Thus, avoid drinking over your limit. Having fun does not have to lead you directly to a hospital bed instead of your own.

- Set boundaries: Getting too friendly or being too open can easily be misunderstood by possible perpetrators. Since more than 84 percent of women who have been date raped stated that they already knew their attackers, you can never be sure of the other party's intensions or state of mind. Be cautious and always lookout for suspicious behavior and signs.

- Bring company: Instead of showing up alone at a blind date or during a bar night out, bring with you a friend and spend some time introducing the person that approaches you before leaving the safety of your own company in quest of another romantic adventure. Be cautious today so as to avoid being sorry tomorrow.

- Riding the rape-car: As research reveals, 88 percent of date rapes happen on the way home. Secure some company and avoid accepting "kind" rides from people you barely know.

- Protect yourself at all times: First, you should know your rights. You have sole rights to your body and no one can violate your territorial space without your consent. Thus, perhaps you should learn how to protect yourself by carrying a self-defense object with you.

Date rapes can be avoided, for as long as proper precautions are observed. The first step is realizing the problem and the fact that it can possibly happen to you and then you should always be on your guard. If you follow these simple rules you will be able to accept the need for the precautions described above.