The shame, pain, and anger of becoming the victim of such a brutal act, often ruins a girl’s whole life. Some people believe that males force themselves on females in order to satisfy themselves sexually. The truth is rape has much more to do with a boy’s need for control and power than for sex.

If you are female, here are two ways to protect yourself against being attacked: Don’t give any boy you go out with total privacy or control. Although you and he may think that “two’s company; three’s a crowd,” the more people around, the safer you’ll be. Make sure you and your date stay together in places like busy fast food stores, crowded dance floors, clubs, school basketball games or other congested hangouts. You could be setting yourself up for a horrible time once you’re alone in a place where he could suddenly do unwanted things to you, and nobody is around to hear you scream for help.

If your date pays no attention to your request to be around other people, and you see he’s taking you toward someplace where you’ll be totally alone with him, take control. Clearly tell him how uncomfortable you feel, and really mean it. Let him know that you can go back to the party (or wherever your friends are) and all have a good time together. If he date had rape on his mind, you have just taken charge of the situation.

Women are not the only ones who should have to work to prevent rape. Rape is NOT just a female problem. New studies estimate that as many as 1 in 8 victims of rape are male. Unfortunately there are plenty of sexual predators out there looking for vulnerable teenage boys rather than girls. Recent incidents have also been in the news about males being raped by their peers during extreme forms of fraternity or athletics hazing. Because rape has for so long been identified as a problem unique to women, males are much less likely to report any incidents.  Many may not even know that the abuse they have undergone is rape. 

It’s important that girls and boys alike learn what causes one person to rape another. Attitudes towards women, low self-esteem, and feeling out of control may all play a big role in a person becoming a rapist. If we learn to address these problems early, someday we all may be able to rest a little easier.