GROSSMONT COLLEGE—Representatives of the YWCA’s Becky’s House staffed a booth on campus Wednesday to promote awareness about domestic violence and to invite students to participate in its “walk a mile in her shoes” event at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, from the park at 4th and K Streets downtown to raise funds to combat domestic violence.
Literature distributed on campus reminded people that they don’t have to be a victim and that domestic Abuse is never okay. According to the YWCA representatives, “If you are or think you are in an abusive relationship with your partner then now is a good time to get out. Don’t be scared of what they might do if you leave, be scared of what they will do if stay.”
Becky’s House is a program to help women and children get away from abusers and to start their lives over. It provides its residents with shelter, case management, individual and group counseling, legal assistance, housing and employment assistance, health and medical services, food, clothing and more.
The YWCA representatives stressed that date and acquaintance rape are very serious crimes, and advised: “If you are raped, tell someone right away. You do not have to go through this alone.”
They offered the following tips to keep in mind when out on a date or out with your friends.
Even if the person doesn’t use physical force, it can still be rape
Everyone has the right to say no to sex at anytime
No ALWAYS means NO
If you are the person being told no, you need to respect it
Date rape is not an act of passion. It is a crime of violence
Having sex with someone who is too drunk or high to say no is rape
The most common date rape drug is alcohol
Trust your instincts. If someone does not listen to you or makes you feel uncomfortable, you may be in danger
If someone is pushing you to have sex when you don’t want to, say no CLEARLY
If you are raped, get help right away
Tell a trusted friend or family
See a doctor immediately, before you take a shower
Date and acquaintance rape are illegal
Rape is never the victim’s fault. NEVER
If you or someone you know was raped and would like someone to talk to, please call 1-800-656-HOPE
For more information please call 619-239-0355 or visit www.ywcasandiego.org
*
Boyd is a student in Media Comm 132. She may be contacted at [email protected]
