In the simplest terms, date rape occurs when one takes sexual advantage of an unwilling victim, most specifically one that he or she knows socially. It's surprising just how common date rape is, particularly on college campuses. As reported by the University of South Florida, at least one in eight college-aged women are victims of rape, and 52% of college-aged women have been victims of sexual assault. Also, more women are raped by acquaintances, as opposed to men they do not know. Date rape is a frightening reality for many women, but there are safety tips, ways to protect yourself and places to go if you are a survivor of rape.

Perhaps college-aged women are commonly victimized because of their willingness to trust people. According to The National Women's Health Information Center, www.4women.gov, there are many different things a woman can do to protect herself from sexual assault or rape. Make sure you are keenly aware of your surroundings; know who is around and where you are at all times. If you do feel uncomfortable in any place or situation, leave immediately. Following your intuition is probably your best guide. Make sure you stay in well lit and populated areas, and do not go out by yourself at night (have a friend or family member accompany you out). It may also be a good idea to carry your cellular phone with you at all times, so you can call the police if ever the need arises.

You can take certain steps to protect your home as well. Keep you doors and windows locked, even if you just step out for a few minutes. Never open your door to someone you do not know or you feel uncomfortable around. Another tip is to make sure your windows all have some sort of coverage, such as blinds or curtains. Do not give out your house keys or keep any identifying information on your key rings.

Regardless of all of these precautions, date rape still happens. You cannot always predict a situation or completely control how certain people will behave. If you are a survivor of date rape, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and to help aid the healing process. Make sure you or someone calls 911. Contacting paramedics will help ensure that doctors will be able to to test, treat or prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

Also, the hospital will have a contact list of support groups and counselors you or the victim may want to contact. The National Women's Health Information Center strongly encourages survivors of sexual assault or rape to seek out the help of professionals. This group states that feelings of anger, rage, embarrassment, shame or sadness are very common, and the assistance of a professional may help one to sort out and deal with these feelings.

There are also a number of organizations one may contact. The Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-787-3224 and http://www.ndvh.org) and the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) are both excellent places to turn for help in event of sexual assault or rape. Also, the Office on Violence Against Women (www.ojp.usdoj.gov), National Center for Victims of Crime (www.ncvc.org), Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (www.rainn.org) and the National Sexual Violence Recourse Center (www.nsvrc.org), are all other reputable and confidential organizations where a woman may find some solace and support.

No one ever has the right to rape or assault you or any other woman you know, regardless if your date has paid for dinner, presumes sex will happen and you change your mind, or if you dress provocatively. No one has the right or control over your body. Date rape is never the victim's fault.