What is it?
Acquaintance or Date Rape means being forced or pressured into having sex by someone you know—against your will, without having your consent.

How Does it Occur?
Acquaintance rape typically occurs when a woman is alone with a man. Alcohol and drugs are sometimes a significant factor. Mixed signals are another element.

Effects of Acquaintance Rape

Fear of Being Alone

Fear of Men

Fear of Sex

Depression

Sleep and Eating Pattern Disturbances

Feelings of Humiliation, Self-Blame, Anger, Embarrassment, and Helplessness

Denial

Watch out for someone who:

Gets hostile when you say "no."

Ignores your wishes, opinions, and ideas.

Attempts to make you feel guilty or accuses you of being uptight if you say "no" to sex.

Displays destructive anger and aggression.

What to do if it happens to you

Contact police

Get medical attention

Go to a friend's

Do not shower or clean yourself

Do not change your clothes

Do not blame yourself

Don't be a victim

Communicate clearly! Say "no" when you mean no; "yes" when you mean yes.

Define your limits (handshake, kiss on the cheek, kiss on the mouth, hug, intercourse, no touch).

Defend the limits you set. You have the right to be respected, to change your mind, to say "no" or just say, "Because I don't want to."

*Information provided by the Greater New Haven Sexual Assault Crisis Services

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Greater New Haven Sexual Assault Crisis Services 24-Hour-Hotline: 203-624-2273 Non-emergencies: 203-789-1425 Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline: 1-888-999-5545 En Espanol Hotline: 1-888-568-8332 TTY Services Available for the Deaf & Hearing Impaired at 1-800-842-9710 Campus Resources Campus Police: 911 Counseling Services: 392-5475 Women's Center: 392-6946