How To Avoid Committing Sexual Assault or Rape

Rape is a problem everyone needs to deal with. It is important to realize no one ever wants to be raped. Always assume that a "no" is a "no," not a "maybe" or a "just try harder." It is not at all ridiculous to ask a partner explicitly if she or he wants to have sexual intercourse or perform a particular sexual act. Prior consent is not continuous consent.

Communication and respect are the keys to preventing date and acquaintance rape. Talk with your partner and make sure that both of you are being honest about what you want and are willing to do. Never force another person to have sexual intercourse or any other sort of sexual relations with you. Acquaintance and date rape are punishable by law, but more importantly, one sexual experience is certainly not worth traumatizing another human being.