Internet Safety
Think you’re safe because you’re in the comfort of your own bedroom chatting online? Think again. Keep your identity private. Don’t give out your photograph, name, address, phone number, the name of your school, what school activities you’re involved in or your parents’ work schedule. All of those bits of information can become “clues” for sexual predators to find you. Most importantly, don’t meet an online stranger in person. The typical teen who turns up missing from an online meeting is 15 years old and female.

Saying “NO”
Sometimes, sexual assault is the result of miscommunication. For example, the guy doesn’t pick up on the girl’s nonverbal signs or listen to her protests. Be assertive. Tell him what you don’t want to do. Don’t be afraid to say “NO” and stick by it.

Sexual Harassment
Flirting between teens is common and healthy. But, some teens have trouble knowing the difference between respectful behavior and unwanted attention. Sexual harassment is any unwanted physical or verbal advance that is sexual in nature. It leaves the recipient feeling demeaned and threatened. Approximately 80% of teens experience sexual harassment. Confront your harasser then report him/her to the school principal or guidance counselor.

Dating and sexual assault
One out of every five high school girls reports being sexually and/or physically abused by a dating partner. If your boyfriend ignores you or doesn’t listen to you, it’s time to get out. He might not listen when you say “NO” to sex. Move on if he acts overly possessive or jealous, because a bad temper can lead to violence. Date people who respect you.

It’s estimated that 70% of all rapes and sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. If someone is forcing you to have sex, use the word RAPE. This can shock your attacker back to his senses. Or, lie. Tell him you have STDs, your friends are coming back, your parents are expecting you, whatever. Trust your gut. Surviving the attack is the most important thing, whether or not you choose to fight back.

Alcohol and sexual assault
You probably know all about the dangers of drinking and driving. But, did you know that alcohol is the most commonly used date rape drug? When you’re under the influence, it’s hard to communicate what you want—and what you don’t. Alcohol can impair your ability to make smart decisions, lower your inhibitions, render you unconscious and make it easy for someone to force you into a dangerous situation. If you’re going to drink, use the buddy system and never leave your drink unattended.

Statutory rape
Dating is a healthy part of being a teenager, but things can get complicated when age differences come into play. In Pennsylvania, sexual activity between someone under 16 years old and someone four or more years older is statutory rape. A healthy relationship requires a balance of power. The ability to drive and earn money gives the older person a lot more power in a relationship.

If your friend is raped
Believe her. Listen to her. Let her know it wasn’t her fault. Let her decide who to tell and what to do. She should receive medical help. Even if she can’t see any injuries, she could still be injured internally. In order for the nurse to collect evidence, the victim should not eat/drink, shower, urinate, douche or change clothes before going to the emergency room. It’s a good idea to call the local rape crisis center at (888) 772-PCAR (in PA). It’s free and confidential. Counselors are available 24/7.



When the guy is the victim
Yes, guys are raped and sexually abused. No, it doesn’t mean they’re gay, weak or less of a man. It’s NEVER the victim’s fault. Sexual violence has nothing to do with sexual orientation. Just because a guy is raped by another guy, it doesn’t mean he’s gay—no matter how the victim’s body reacted during the attack. And, just because a gay person is raped, it doesn’t mean that he is to blame for the attack. No one asks to be raped. One out of every six guys is sexually assaulted by the age of 18.

If you know someone who has been sexually assaulted, call you local rape crisis center (888) 772-PCAR (in Pa).

Sexual Harassment
Flirting between teens is common and healthy. But, some teens have trouble knowing the difference between respectful behavior and unwanted attention. Sexual harassment is any unwanted physical or verbal advance that is sexual in nature. It leaves the recipient feeling demeaned and threatened. Approximately 80% of teens experience sexual harassment. Know a guy who disrespects women or tells sexist jokes? Do the right thing. Step in. Stop him, take a stand.

Statutory rape
Dating is a healthy part of being a teenager, but things can get complicated when age differences come into play. In Pennsylvania, sexual activity between someone under 16 years old and someone four or more years older is statutory rape. A healthy relationship requires a balance of power. The ability to drive and earn money gives the older person a lot more power in a relationship.

Alcohol and Sexual Assault
Alcohol is the most commonly used date rape drug. Sometimes, there is malicious intent to ply a girl with alcohol or to slip a drug into her drink. Other times, both people’s inhibitions are lowered and their ability to clearly communicate breaks down. Regardless, it’s rape unless both people consent. Alcohol is never an excuse. See a guy getting a girl drunk to sleep with her? Step in and stop it.

Online safety
There’s nothing private about a “personal” Web page. Thinking of posting pictures from that party on your blog? Would you tape them up on the walls of the school cafeteria? Whatever you post can be seen by anyone with Internet access anywhere in the world, forever. The information is public domain. Even if you delete a blog, saved versions can still exist on other people’s computers.

One in seven boys has met strangers from the Internet. That’s not smart. Don’t let online strangers trick you into thinking of them as real-life friends and don’t meet them in person. Law enforcement officials estimate that as many as 50,000 sexual predators are online at any given moment. At night, the number jumps to 250,000.

Saying and hearing “NO”
It’s a one-word lesson that every guys needs to learn about sex. When the answer is no, the answer is no. If it’s against her will, it’s against the law. It’s rape. Respecting someone enough to let her control her life is more powerful than controlling her yourself. Being a guy isn’t about getting some. It’s about respect. Give it, get it.