Avoid Being a Perpetrator
• Adopt a healthy, respectful philosophy. Always actively seek consent rather
than thinking, “I’m going to do what I want to do until someone tells me not
to.”
• Avoid, or limit, alcohol consumption. Alcohol reduces inhibitions, clouds
judgment, and impairs motor skills. Alcohol, known in some circles as “liquid
courage,” may facilitate your perpetration of rape because you feel powerful and
dominant.
• Seek consent and listen carefully. Take the time to ask for consent to sex and
hear the response. The truth is that “No” means “No.” If you hear “No” to sexual
contact, stop what you are doing immediately.
• Avoid making assumptions. If a person consents to kissing or other sexual
intimacies, do not assume this is consent to have sexual intercourse.