Our culture puts a tremendous amount of pressure on a male to perform and conform. To avoid serious consequences for yourself, consider the following suggestions.

Stop believing the myth that rapists are strangers.

Understand that rape is not sex but a violation of someone's well being.

Look at your value system. Does it lead to enhancement of your self-esteem? Does it make you proud? Is it yours or someone else's?

Consider the facts. The FBI predicts that one out of every three women will be a victim of assault in her lifetime. Someone you know and care for may be a part of this statistic. How can you reduce the possibility of her sexual victimization?

Listen to what your partner says. Assume taht "no" means "no," not "maybe." Be sure you hear verbal consent before you proceed in sexual encounters.

Remember: Real men take "NO" for an answer.

Also, don't assume that because you are a male you cannot be sexually assault. Males can be sexually assaulted too. If you become a victim, it was not your fault. No one asks to be raped, nor do they deserve it. Tell someone-it is the first step to recovery.