My best friend Tara and I went to our friend’s 18th. We’d been there for a while and had a few drinks when these guys we had met a couple of weeks before at my older sister’s 21st called and asked us if we wanted to meet up with them. We were over the party by that time, so we agreed and they said they’d come and pick us up. The guys brought us some more drinks and we just drove around talking and listening to music. We ended up stopping at a park and everyone got out of the car except for me and the driver, Paul. He got into the back seat with me and started kissing me. The next thing I knew, he was having sex with me. Then his mate got in the back of the car. He was on top of me… I tried to scream and to push him off. I wanted to stop what was happening, but I couldn’t talk or move. It was like I was paralysed. I couldn’t believe they had swapped!
For a while afterwards I felt like it was all my fault because I was drunk and I couldn’t protect myself. But I know that’s not true, I was raped. I thought I could trust these guys, they were my sister’s friends. But I couldn’t. I was too drunk to give my consent and they took advantage of me. Even though I didn’t say “No” and I wasn’t passed out, it was still rape. I’ve read stuff that says No means No and that is true, but remember, being drunk also means “No”. And I want everyone to know that silence is NOT consent either – silence means No!
Sarah, 17
Most sexual assaults are commeitted by someone the victim knows. Only yes means yes.
For more information and support for sexual assault:
Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence Inc. – 07 5591 1164
Qld Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline- 1800 010 120
National Australia Says No 24 Hour Helpline- 1800 200 526
