Acquaintance rape, often known as "date rape", is unwanted sexual contact from a person known to you. It is a type of sexual assault or rape. Most often the victim is a woman.

You can take a number of preventative actions to reduce the likelihood of being a victim of acquaintance rape.
* Take your time in getting to know your companion or "date."
* Stay with a group of people.
* Avoid risky areas, such as deserted areas.
* Avoid excessive alcohol.
* Be alert for possible use of "date rape drugs", such as Rohypnol, which is illegal in the United States. Someone can slip it into a drink. It causes drowsiness, a loss of coordination, dizziness and memory loss.
* Tell someone you trust your date's name, destination and planned time of return.
* Avoid people who show controlling behavior, or are physically and verbally abusive.
* Avoid people who verbally and emotionally manipulate you.
* Take money for a phone call and taxi fare with you.
* Learn to trust your "gut" feelings.
* Take a self-defense course.

It is not unusual to feel angry, betrayed or guilty following a rape. Most rape crisis centers encourage people who have been raped to report the sexual assault to the police. However, the final decision is yours.

You need to seek medical care at any hospital emergency department. Do not:
* shower,
* bathe,
* change clothes,
* smoke,
* drink,
* eat, or
* urinate

before seeking medical attention.

Most communities have crisis centers that provide counseling and other services for women experiencing sexual violence. To find the number of the center closest to you, call the Rape Abuse Hotline at 1-(800) -656-4673.

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