Chances are you have been to a party before where everyone was getting down, having a good time. And yes, drinking too. And you have probably heard about people hooking up after having a drink or two social lubrication, they call it. How safe is this?
Alcohol kills consent
Let's make this clear since alcohol muddies it up. Non-verbal clues are harder to give and to read when there's alcohol or drugs involved. The same is true for verbal communication. Therefore, someone who is drunk or under the influence of other drugs cannot give consent. Even if they say yes it doesn't count. Like in football - if you score a touchdown but a penalty is called that nullifies it, the points don't count. So if you get a yes, but the other person is drunk, the yes doesn't count.
It is illegal to drive a car when you are drunk because your judgement is impaired. Nobody questions this because it seems obvious. Once you've been drinking, you can no longer make decisions that ensure your safety. So if you aren't in the correct frame of mind to drive a car, how can you be in the right frame of mind to give consent? Quite simply, you're not. If you're drunk, you don't have the full ability to give access to the most precious thing you have: your body.
Who's in control?
The more alcohol that you've consumed, the less in control you are. And when you're not in control, you can't consent to anything. That's why the UNH Code of Conduct specifically says that the ability to give consent is compromised due to substance ingestion. So play it safe and stay in control. When you go out for the evening, decide whether or not you are going to drink.
| In any situation: | Use the buddy system - keep friends close by and watch out for each other. | |
| Be aware of the people around you, who is drinking, and the mood. | ||
| Pre-determine your plans for transportation home. | ||
| If you do not want to drink: | Make sure you are in an environment where this is supported. | |
| If you choose to drink: | Know your limits and stick to them. Don't become incapacitated. | |
| Keep one friend on sober duty. | ||
| Make your own drinks and don't leave drinks unattended. | ||
| Don't drink from communal drink containers such as "death punch". | ||
| Understand the reasons you drink - don't do it to cover up other insecurities. |
And the #1 date rape drug is....
that's right, alcohol. In about 90% of cases of sexual assault at UNH, there is alcohol involved by either the perpetrator, the survivor or both. Date rape drugs that are commonly thought of, such as rohypnol or GHB, are easily condemned because the intent seems obvious. But alcohol can be used for the same purposes. The person handing you that beer might not seem like the potential perpetrator, but remember that over 80% of sexual assaults happen between people that know each other. No matter what happens, it is never a victims fault for a crime committed against them. If someone who is drunk is sexually assaulted, they may be responsible for being drunk, but not for being sexually assaulted. It is never okay to take a person's choice away from them.
Alcohol will not work as a defense for not getting consent remember the responsibility is put on the person to seek and receive expressed permission for sexual activity. If you've been drinking and are thinking of getting it on with someone, think again, because this isn't the time for you to wake up next to someone else. There are too many possibilities that can turn bad:
If you or your partner have consumed a few drinks, don't risk it. Put on the breaks. Save it for another time when you'll both be fully there.