CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. Getting The Basics
2. Substance Abuse
3. Violence Against Women
4. Violent Men
5. Alcohol and Violence
6. Alcohol, Drugs and Sexual Assault (Date Rape)
7. Preventing Sexual Assault
8. After a Rape or Sexual Assault
9. Assistance - Women
10. Assistance - Men
11. Legal Options

Supplements
Resources
Glossary
Fact Sheets

It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women for Anyone Concerned About The Issues

Alcohol and Dating

The pattern of violence in dating couples is similar to the violence in couples who are married or living together. In both cases, the male tries to have power and control over the female. Both also involve jealousy along with emotional and physical abuse.

Over 60 percent of all sexual assaults involve alcohol.

Alcohol plays a large part in many teenage abusive situations. Over 60 percent of all sexual assaults involve alcohol.¹¹ In fact, one in four teenagers will experience sexual or nonsexual abuse by the time they get out of college. Teenagers and women in their twenties are at higher risk of sexual abuse and verbal abuse than older women.

Dating in high school and college helps define our relationships as an adult. If the man in earlier relationships is violent and uses alcohol, he has a greater chance of doing it again later in life. The same is true for a woman who is a victim. In addition, when the victim or perpetrator drinks, the rate of serious injuries associated with dating violence increases.¹²

Studies show that many male college students believe that females' drinking invites sex or makes it easier to get.¹³ In addition, some men believe their own drinking makes them more likely to sexually assault a woman. For example, in one study, male college students said they were more likely to coerce a woman into having sex with them when they were drunk.¹⁴

It is important for young people to learn how to have healthy relationships that don't involve alcohol or drugs or violence. Relationships help young people learn how to express their emotions and feelings. Some young people express them in potentially dangerous ways. "Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship" can help you spot possible problems in your relationship.