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Date Rape

Date Rape

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Date rape is the act of forcing sex on a date or acquaintance through coercion, manipulation, intimidation and/or physical restraint. 85% of women who are raped know their attacker.

  • Men are also victims of sexual assault, but women are more often the targets

  • Rape is not caused by sexual passion, arousal, lust or love. It is most often committed by someone the woman thought she knew well enough to consider a “nice guy.”

  • Rape is not caused by the victim’s appearance, her clothing, personality or level of attractiveness

  • Rape – by a stranger, acquaintance or “friend” is a crime; marital rape is a crime. Rape is a devastating experience.

  • Impact of date rape can be emotional and/or physical and may include:

    Emotional – anxiety and depression, feelings of guilt or shame, avoiding social interactions, difficulty focusing, feelings of hopelessness or problems with sexual intimacy

    Physical – unwanted pregnancy, STD, possible injury

  • You have the right to be treated with respect at all times

  • You have the right to refuse sex AT ANY TIME even if you have previously consented

  • NO MEANS NO. No exceptions!

If you have experienced date rape (or sexual assault of any kind), there are immediate steps you can take:

  • Call the 24-hour crisis line at (866) 218-4738

  • Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program at (850) 832-9869 or (850) 832-9708

  • Trevor Project (866) 488-7386 – national network for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals. Crisis stabilization and support. Also see  .

  • Call friends or family who can give you emotional support

  • Seek medical attention at Bay Medical or Gulf Coast Hospital

  • Make a report immediately in case you decide to pursue charges

  • For referral or short-term confidential counseling, contact the GCSC Counseling Office:
    Leigh Bailey (850) 769-1551, ext. 4861. 

If you are a woman:

  • Be up front about your sexual expectations and limitations. Be clear what your limits are. Don’t be shy.

  • Do not be ambiguous, shy or afraid to say “no” early and without hesitating

  • Pay attention – notice if your wishes are being ignored, even in small ways

  • It is okay to leave if you begin to feel uncomfortable

  • Monitor your consumption of alcohol; you are less likely to take risks or experience impaired senses if you are not impaired by alcohol

If you are a man:

  • Sharpen your awareness! If a woman says “no” or seems uncomfortable or reluctant to go further sexually, back off. Interpret this as a no and stop immediately.

  • You do not have the right to expect or pressure a woman for sex

  • Paying for dinner, being with a woman who is flirtatious or dressed provocatively does not give you the right

  • If she agrees at first but later changes her mind (even if you have had sex with her before) you do not have the right

  • Monitor your consumption of alcohol. Intoxication can lead to poor judgment and aggressive behavior. Intoxication is not a defense for sexual assault.

If you are gay or lesbian:

  • Do not think you are exempt from date rape, sexual violence or assault

  • LGBT individuals may be at greater risk of sexual assault due to homophobia

  • The same precautions apply to same-sex friends, partners or acquaintances as to the heterosexual community

  • Many members of the LGBT community may feel even more hesitation to call for help. Silence is not a solution, however. Please follow the plan outlined above.

  • Call any or all the phone numbers listed above for emergency help, assistance and support.

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Amanda Reed, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.