Alcohol and Drug Use
As the use of alcohol and drug use increases, ability to perceive potential danger, react quickly, and judge a situation is impaired. Binge drinking and drug use are related to increased rates of victimization. A perpetrator may prey on the fact that the victim is impaired to his or her advantage. Women in college who use drugs, attend a university with high drinking rates, and drank heavily in high school are at greater risk for rape while intoxicated. Alcohol use by perpetrators may impair their judgment of whether their partner wants to engage in sexual activities, particularly in cases of date rape where the victim knows her perpetrator. Understanding the effects of alcohol and how it impairs your judgment will decrease your risk of becoming involved in a sexually violent incident.