Sexual Assault In The Dance Scene

Sexual assault is a serious issue that affects many men & women, and it's important to take steps to protect yourself and reduce your risk in the dance scene.

Here are some tips to help prevent sexual assault:

1. Be aware of your surroundings in a dance studio or club is important for your safety. Here are some tips to help you stay aware:

• Scan the room: Take a moment to scan the room when you enter. Look for exits, potential hazards, and people who seem out of place.
• Stay alert: Avoid getting too lost in the music or your dance routine. Stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you.
• Don't leave your drink unattended: If you have a drink, keep it with you at all times and don't leave it unattended. Date rape drugs can be added to drinks without your knowledge, so it's important to keep an eye on your drink.
  • How about accepting a drink from a stranger or someone?
    • Accepting a drink from a stranger can be risky as it can put you in a vulnerable situation. Here are some things to consider before accepting a drink from someone you don't know:
      • Watch your drink being made: If you decide to accept a drink, watch the bartender or server make it and keep an eye on your drink at all times.
      • Once again, don't leave your drink unattended: Never leave your drink unattended, even for a few seconds. If you do, don't drink it when you come back, as it could have been tampered with.
      • Trust your instincts: If something seems off or you feel uncomfortable, it's okay to decline the drink and move on.
      • Know your limits: Be aware of how many drinks you can handle and stick to your limits.
      • Have a backup plan: Have a backup plan in case you feel uncomfortable or need to leave quickly. This could be a trusted friend or family member who can come pick you up, or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
• Stay with your friends: It's always a good idea to stay with your friends when going to a dance studio or club. Here are some reasons why:
  • Safety in numbers: There's safety in numbers, and being with a group of friends can help reduce your risk of being targeted by someone looking to cause harm.
  • Look out for each other: When you're with a group of friends, you can look out for each other and spot potential dangers or uncomfortable situations.
  • Avoid getting lost: In crowded and unfamiliar places like dance studios and clubs, it's easy to get separated from your group. Sticking together can help you avoid getting lost or separated.
  • Have more fun: Dancing and socializing with friends can be more enjoyable than being alone, and can make the experience more memorable.
• Once again, trust your instincts: If something feels off or you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and leave the situation.
• Avoid isolated areas: Try to stay in well-lit areas with other people around. Avoid isolated areas like stairwells or dark corners.
• Keep the "one dance" rule: When you're social dancing, it's important to focus on enjoying the dance itself and avoid giving mixed signals. To do this, follow the "one dance rule" and dance with a person no more than once in a row. You can dance with them multiple times throughout the night, but make sure to take breaks in between. This way, they won't get the wrong impression and think that you're interested in them romantically. Dancing with them separately multiple times can help them understand that you simply enjoy dancing with them and nothing more.
• Don't give out personal information: Be cautious about giving out personal information to people you don't know well.

2. Re-emphasizing it, trust your instincts: If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable in a situation, trust your gut and leave the area.

3. Stay sober: Drinking alcohol or using drugs can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to sexual assault.

4. Travel with a friend: If possible, travel with a friend or in a group. Once again, there is safety in numbers.

5. Practice good communication: Be assertive and clear in communicating your boundaries to others. Don't be afraid to say no or to speak up if you feel uncomfortable.

Remember that sexual assault is never the victim's fault. No matter what precautions you take, it's important to remember that the perpetrator is the one responsible for their actions. If you are a victim of sexual assault, it's important to seek help and support from trusted friends, family members, or professionals.

Things to consider...

• Learn self-defense: Take a self-defense class to learn techniques for defending yourself in case of an attack.
• Carry self-defense tools: Consider carrying pepper spray, a personal alarm, or other self-defense tools in case of an emergency.

Always, remember no matter where you are "they are wolves among sheep". ​It's important to always keep in mind that there may be dangerous or predatory individuals in any given location or situation, even if most people are well-intentioned and harmless. In other words, there may be "wolves among sheep." Therefore, it's important to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, take precautions to protect yourself, and trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.