Last updated: 20 February 2008

Making choices is a constant process - what to have for breakfast or deciding to drive at the speed limit.  Some choices are easier to make than others and most choices we make do not result in a negative experience.

Having a drink and enjoying a sociable evening with friends is pleasant and you end up safety in your own home.  It becomes a terrible experience if you are raped at the end of it.  The fact you chose to have a drink is not a bad choice, we all have the right to drink, and being raped was not your choice.  The rapist made a choice about whether or not to force you to engage in a sexual act against your will.  The responsibility is solely that of the rapist.

It is important that you change your mind set -  Typical comments are:

'I should not have smiled at him or her'

'Why did I agree to having that drink?'

'I should have fought back'

'Why did I thrust them?'

'I should not have taken the short cut through the alley'

'I should not have worn that outfit'

You have every right to drink, to wear what you want, to smile at whom you want and to walk where you want.  These are everyday choices we make over and over again with very little negative consequences. 

Some behaviour may make you more vulnerable - drink too much, walk home alone after a night out.  This still does not give anyone the right to sexually assault you!  Before you get in to any of these situations, check out "Tips on Staying Safe".

Was it your fault? - NO