Police reports have revealed there has been a number of rapes reported within the eThekwini Outer South Cluster that are alcohol related. According to police, alcohol seems to be playing a huge role in sexual violence. Excessive drinking has the ability to lower inhibitions, impair a person’s judgement and increase the risk of aggressive behaviours in men. For perpetrators, drinking may intensify their aggressive behaviour. So says captain Carmen Rhynes, the communicaton officer at Umlazi SAPS.
“This can make them become more forceful when someone tries to resist them. Women become too weak to protect themselves from being victims of rape when they have been drinking. Prolonged drinking or binge drinking significantly increases the risk of women becoming victims of sexual violence. Giving in to the harmful effects of alcohol can change your life in an instant.”
Sexual assault is a forced sexual act and may involve touching, kissing and intercourse. Sexual assault can occur when there is a lack of consent, as well as when the victim is unable to give consent due to intoxication or mental state. Many women have been sexually assaulted while themselves are under the influence and thereafter cannot even remember the suspect or incident clearly. It is important as woman not to overindulge in alcohol as it makes one a vulnerable to rape or sexual assault.
“Many rape cases in the cluster are when a victim wakes up from an evening of drinking, with a man lying next to her and she can’t remember giving him consent to have sex with her. Rape cases such as these are often thrown out of court because the victim cannot remember if she gave consent to sex and also cannot remember details of the sexual assault.
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“It is important, as women, that we take responsibility for our behaviour. Drinking and becoming over intoxicated is irresponsible. We need to ensure we are always in our full senses. I am not saying, women must not enjoy themselves and have a drink but I am saying they should drink responsibly in order to protect themselves from sexual assault and rape. They must be smart,” said captain Rhynes.
Be SMART
S – Say no to sex you don’t want.
M – Make yourself clearly understood.
A – Alcohol effects your judgement, so watch what you drink.
R – Rape stays with you for life.
T – Take care of each other and don’t go off with someone you have just met.
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Many rapes occur when people are drunk. Follow these steps to protect yourself.
* Don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what you are doing.
* Don’t go alone to a stranger’s house when you are drunk. Arrange to meet when you are sober.
* Don’t accept a drink from a stranger or share drinks with someone you just met. Only leave your drink with someone you trust.
* Plan how you are getting home. Don’t walk alone. Don’t get a lift with a stranger. Stay at a girlfriend’s (ensure your bedroom door is locked). Organise a taxi.
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