Teens, be extra careful these Easter holidays
These tips will help teenagers to be safe and extra careful during these holidays.
Teenagers might sometimes want to break free, especially during holiday time.
As we are approaching the Easter holidays, most teenagers will have some free time to have fun with their friends and will want to go out.
It is important to know your rights and protect yourself from being victimised during this time.
Roodepoort Police’s acting station commander, Colonel Happy Xaba, gave some advice that will help teenagers to be extra careful during these holiday, if they happen to find themselves in a compromising position.
Parents, help your teen to take note here:
• You have the right to say no.
• No one has the right to force you into sexual activity, no matter what your relationship with this person is.
• This means no-one can force you to have sex, or touch you in a sexual way without your consent, or force you to perform sexual activities you find unpleasant or humiliating.
• Be open with your parents, schoolteachers or your friend if you came across or were made to, or asked to have sexual intercourse without your consent.
• Never hitch-hike.
• Do not walk alone at night.
• Do not accept an offer from anybody.
• Remember, it is not your fault if you are sexually assaulted.
• Do not allow anyone to touch you in a way that makes you uncomfortable.
• Do not leave a party or social event with someone you do not know or have just met at the event.
• At social events, do not leave your cold drinks or drinks unattended, as you may fall into trap of being drugged or poisoned.
• Ask friends to help you if you say no and the person who approached you insists.
