Avoid Doing Things That Might Precipitate A Rape

In light of the recent reported acquaintance rapes that have occurred on the Gonzaga campus, I feel a need - as a young woman and student - to address this grave issue.

I want to stress that I don’t know the specific details of the alleged sexual assaults on campus, nor do I know the victims or perpetrators. My heart goes out to all the victims and survivors of these unforgivable crimes.

At least two of the three reported rapes involved alcohol. As we all know, the consumption of alcohol lessens one’s ability to make good decisions.

My advice to female partygoers and partygoers in general is simple: Always arrive with your friends, keep in contact with them throughout the night and leave with them. When a guy asks you to go back to his dorm or apartment to talk, that is your flashing warning light telling you he probably wants more than just your feelings on global warming. Now, I don’t want a band of angry males after me because I insinuated that their motives are not always genuine. But often, their physiological needs take priority over their good sense, especially when alcohol is a factor.

Now what tirade on sexual assault would be complete without the don’t-appear-easy lecture? I don’t want to disappoint you, so here goes. If you show up at a party in a miniskirt and a halter top, you are more likely to garner the attention of the opposite sex. Guys will gravitate to girls who appear sexually confident through their dress. I know.

During my last visit to Taffy Jack’s dance club in Nelson, B.C., I conducted an admittedly informal experiment. Friday night, I wore jeans, a long-sleeved shirt and flip-flops. Then on Saturday night, I arrived in a skimpy black skirt, a spaghetti-strap tank top and three-inch heels. Let’s just say that I danced with more guys that night than I did at all of the dances I attended in high school combined. How you dress does communicate something about you.

My advice applies specifically to acquaintance rape, which accounts for 80 percent of all rapes. My advice alone would not safeguard anyone from being the victim of rape or sexual assault. The horrendous truth is that rape is about control and power, and the individual with more of both will prevail.

That is why I believe it is so important to take the steps necessary to give you optimal control, especially in situations involving alcohol.