YOUNG PEOPLE ASK - What Should I kow About Sexual Assault

 * Be prepared.  Know in advance what you will do if someone-even  a dating partner or relative-tries to pressure into sexual contact.  A young woman named Erin recommends that to prepare for any  type of peer-pressure situation, you could play out potential scenarios and prepare how you would react.  "It may seem hokey," she says,  "but in a real-life situation, you'll be less likely to become a victim."

* The Bible says: "Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise  but as persons,  . . . .because the days are wicked." - EPHESIANS 5:15, 16.

* Ask yourself: 'What would I do if someone touched me in a way that made me feel uneasy?' 

* Have an exit plan.  RAINN recommends that you "have a code word with your friends or family so that if you don't feel colmfortable  you can call on them and commuicate your discomfort without the person you are with knowing.  Your family and friends can then come to get you or make up an excuse for you to leave. " You  can spare yourself much grief by avoiding risky situations in the first place. 

* Ask yourself: 'What exit plan do I have in place?' b

* Set boundaries-and stick to them.  For example, if you're dating , you and your friend should discuss what type of conduct  is and is not appropriate. If the person you are dating thinks setting boundaries  is silly, you need a different partner-one who respects your values. 

* The Bible says:  "Love . . . does not behave indcently, does not look for its own interests ." - 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4, 5.

Ask yourself:  'What are my values? What type of conduct crosses the line of decency.?' 

Next time: We Can Conquer Hatred!

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