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Rape is called the most underreported violent crime in America.
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Get Educated: Cues & Communication
Tips to Enhance Communication
See below for more information on communicating effectively.
Know what you want - It is important to figure out what you want before you enter into a conversation
- Pick the right time and place
- Choose a place where you're comfortable
- Make sure you're both sober
- Make sure it's before you've had intimate contact
- Choose a private place
- Relax
- Take a deep breath before you start
- Tell your partner that you're nervous
- Practice beforehand to combat nerves
- Be overly explicit
- State what you want very clearly
- Use "I" statements
- "I feel...", "I want...", "I like..."
- Ask open-ended questions (not yes/no questions)
- "Tell me something that happened today?" vs. "Did you have a good day?"
- "What do you think about this activity?" vs. "Do you want to do this activity?"
- Listen!
- If you want your partner to pay attention to you, you should pay attention to your partner
- Ask for confirmation that your message was received and acknowledge that you heard your partner's messages (this does not mean you have to agree with it)
- Use reflective listening and say how you interpreted the message (ask for clarification when unsure what you heard. Ask questions to clarify what you believe you heard)
- Get information to help you each make informed decisions
- Learn your partner's perspective
- Know your partner's concerns and show respect for them
Be honest and patient- Avoid assumptions and accusations
- Avoid being persuaded to do something you don't want to do
- Ex: If you loved me, you would trust me and not use a condom
- Pay attention to non verbal cues
- Are your body language (and orientation), appearance, facial expressions, eye contact saying the same thing that your words are saying?
Know what you wantWhat is Communication?
What Affects Communication?
Contact Trisha Hunsaker, Sexual Assault Educator to schedule a presentation!
