draining's Diaryland Diary

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

from RAINN

This is from the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). I got
the cards for free and have been passing them out to as many people as
possible.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

Look out for your friends. Share class and social schedules. Be sure your
friends know how to reach your family and your family has their contact
info.

Stay in a group. Don't be alone with someone you don't know or trust.

Don't leave your drink unattended-- it could be drugged.

Know where emergency phones are, what parts of campus are well-lit, and
where people hang out. use a shuttle at night; avoid shortcuts.

If drinking might have impaired your judgement-- or your partner's
judgement-- say no for now; you can always reconsider tomorrow.

Communicte your lmits firmly and directly. (Note: this actually DOES
work.) If you say no, say it like you mean it. Be loud and clear, and be
firm-- in body language as well as words. (note: I cn't overemphasize how
well this has orked for me in shady situations.)

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. DON'T FEEL OBLIGATED TO DO ANYTHING YOU DON'T WANT
TO DO. "I DON'T WANT TO" IS ALWAYS A GOOD ENOUGH REASON.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED

Find a safe environment away from your attacker. Ask a trusted friend to
sty with you. And, remember, it's not your fault you were attacked.

Preserve evidence of the attack. Though you may not want to, do not bathe
or brush your teeth. Do not wash or get rid of any o the clothing that you
were wearing. Write down as many deatils as you can recall.

Report the assault to the police. A counselor can help you through the
process. (Note: some people may not want to do this, and that's perfectly
understandable.)

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. EVEN IF YOU DON'T THINK YOU'RE INJURED, IT'S
IMPORTANT TO TEST FOR STIs AND PREGNANCY. (Note: ask for the "morning
after pill," or RU-486.) ASK THE HOSPITAL TO CONDUCT A RAPE KIT EXAM AND,
IF YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE BEEN DRUGGED, COLLECT A URINE SAMPLE FOR
ANLYSIS BY A LAB WITHIN24 HOURS OR THE DRUG WILL LEAVE YOUR SYSTEM..

Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). The
hotline, oprated by RAINN, provides free, confidential counseling, 24/7.

TIPS FOR MEN
(Note: men, of course, CAN be sexually assaulted too, and should be
treated with the same compassion as a woman who has been sexually
assaulted.)

Be a friend, not a bystander. Get involvoed if you see someone at risk.
You might save a friend from becoming the victim of sexual assault (note:
or death)-- or from committing sexual assault.

Know your sexual limits. Communicte them clearly. Listen to your partner.
If the situation is unclear, ask.

There are many ways to communicate a refusal-- both verbally and
non-verbally. Pay attention to words and body language.

Alcohol anddrugs are not an excuse-- or an alibi. You are responsible for
your actions, no matter what you have ingested.

To reach your local rape crisis center, call:

the National SexualAsault Hotline at
1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Free. Confidential. 24/7.
www.rainn.org

My notes:
wives, girlfriends, strippers, exotic dancers, and prostitutes CAN be
raped. An assaulter CAN be legally prosecuted for assaulting such women.

Further Resources:
The Courage to Heal (about childhood sexual abuse)
I Never Called it Rape by Robyn Warshaw (about date-rape)
The album Real Fiction by the Fakes (who include famous Bikini Kill
frontwoman Kathleen Hanna).

about GHB: if you SUSPECT you've been drugged, get a urine test within 24
HOURS or the drugs will leave your system.

"It was me
and a gun
and a man
on my back
but I haven't
seen Barbados
so I must
get out of this"
--Tori Amos, co-founder of RAINN

Be careful,

Elizabeth Caudy
847-302-6799
www.elizabethcaudy.com
draining.diaryland.com
[email protected]/greeneyeliner
George: www.myspace.com/iwantcatnip
BKruger: www.myspace.com/godinpocketandmoneyonside
"I can't look at you and breathe at the same time"
Barbara Kruger
"A Diva Torn from Chaos
A Savior Doomed to Love"
--from Princess Ai

3:04 a.m. - 2006-04-20
0 comments

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

previous - next