10 anti-rape tips

Trigger warning: This post is about rape

Of course, the best anti-rape technique is better education, and making people stop raping other people. Sadly, education all over the world is timid and this will probably never happen, so we have to take it upon ourselves to try stop rape happening. A woman has a 1 in 5 chance of being raped in the U.S. I've compiled a list of "tips" on how to avoid being raped.

1) If your drink suddenly tastes salty, it may be GHB or another date rape drug. If your drink suddenly tastes more bitter, it's Rohypnol. If you think it may be any of these, stop drinking it immediately.

2) If you want to be extra careful, you can buy Spikey anti-spiking bottle stoppers. Spikey, the company behind the device say "Once inserted into the neck of a bottle Spikey® cannot be easily removed, creating a seal that helps stop pills and illicit substances (Rohypnol, GHB, more alcohol etc) being slipped into the drink. A hole in the top of the device is just big enough for a straw to pass through. Again, the straw cannot be easily tampered with." You can get 250 for £8.42.

3) Use a mobile app, such as bsafe or guardly (Android, iOS). These apps allow you to be tracked (such as on a walk home alone). bsafe offers a "fake phone call" option in case of an emergency, and guardly offers the sounding of a siren, with an alert sent out to your friends when you feel in danger.

4) When walking home alone, it can be tempting to take a short cut, especially if it's cold and/or you're eager to get home, but try stay to main roads/streets, and avoid fields, small pathways and unlit areas. This is especially true between 5 and 8.30am, which is the most common time for a women to get attacked and raped

5) Only 2% of rapists carry weapons (and even less would use them). Many rapists would get discouraged if you put up a fight, as they realise it isn't worth going after you.

6) You can get devices to help you fight back, such as the kitty keychain self-defence device! Simple, lightweight and effective, the Cat Keychain can help you defend yourself if attacked.

7) If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the upper inner thigh. HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out part of his muscle - the guy needed stitches. (source)

8) Most people know this, but as soon as possible, go for the groin. If you hit a man's testicles, it is one of the most painful things a man can experience!

9) When you are in your car, lock the doors. Many women get attacked whilst sitting in their car in a car park, checking their phone or looking through their bags.

Finally, talk about rape with you friends. Male and female.

Do you have any tips? Comment below =)