If you don’t know, don’t go

Free” stuff comes at a very high price

Have you been invited to a party or gathering, either online or in person and have been told that there will be “free” drink and/or drugs?

Ask yourself;

“Why is someone offering to give me something for free?

“What do they want in return?”

Have you been invited to a party or get-together:

  • through friends,
  • either online or in person,
  • or by someone that you don’t know well?

The party could be at someone’s house that you don’t know, or in a location that you’re not familiar with.

You could be offered a lift and told that there will be free drugs and alcohol available,

Ask yourself;

“Why have I been invited when I don’t know the person who owns the house or whose party it is?”

“Why is someone offering to give me something for free?”

“What do they want in return?”

 

Listen to your gut feeling – if it feels wrong, don’t go!

Accepting the invitation could lead to you feeling pressured into doing things that you don’t want to do, things that make you feel uncomfortable and ashamed.

Sexual assault and rape are criminal offences - and you should tell someone if this happens to you. There are people who you can speak to who won’t blame you or judge you about what has happened.

If you tell a trusted adult they might then inform the police or Children’s Social Care.

  • Childline: 0800 1111
     
  • Police: Call 101 in a non emergency or if the crime has already happened. Call 999 if the crime is in progress or you feel you are in immediate danger.
     
  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

 

If you do accept an invitation to a party or gathering there are things that you need to do keep yourself safe:

  • Make sure you know where you’re going
  • Find out whose party it is
  • Take note of the road signs if you accept a lift
  • Tell a trusted adult where you are going and who you’re going with
  • Tell someone what time you’re expected home
  • Make sure your phone is charged
  • Text or call a trusted adult when you get there
  • Take enough money with you to get you home

 

If you are at a party or gathering and are having a good time, but someone asks you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable:

  • Stop drinking
  • Don’t accept any drugs
  • Don’t go into a room alone with people that make you feel uncomfortable
  • Make an excuse, eg pretend you’re feeling ill and lock yourself in a room eg; bathroom or go outside.
  • Then send a text or make a phone call to a trusted adult to get someone to come and pick you up or call the police.

 

‘If you don’t know, don’t go’ Poster (PDF)

If you don't know, don't go.

If you are invited to a house party, but you don't know:

  • whose party it is
  • where it is
  • who will be there
  • how you're getting home

...say no!

Perpetrators of child sexual exploitation often use parties to trick young people into dangerous situations, where they can be at risk of being groomed or even raped. 

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