Life would be so much easier if people walked around with florescent signs alerting us to their character. Unfortunately this is not possible. Rapists look like everyone else. There is NO specific way to identify a potential rapist, however here are a few characteristics to watch out for.

This is not a complete list, nor will rapists necessarily exibit all (or any) of the traits listed below.

• Acts overly macho.
  
• Believes that all males and females fit traditional stereotypes.
  
• Doesn't take "No" for an answer.
  
• Ignores personal boundaries.
  
• Uses force to solve problems.
  
• Acts excessively jealous and/or possessive. Be especially suspicious of this behavior if you've only recently met him or are on a first or second date.
  
• Is obsessed with guns, knives and other lethal instruments.
  
• Acts immaturely; shows little empathy or feeling for others.
  
• Tries to separate you from your friends and family by convincing you to spend more time with him and less with them.
  
• Insists on being alone with you on a first date.
  
• Has a short temper.
  
• Demands your attention or compliance at inappropriate times, such as during class, or interrupting your conversations with someone else.
  
• Asks personal questions and wants to know more about you than you want to tell him.
  
• Expects relationships and/or sexual activity to be on his/her terms.
  
• Views women and children as "property."
  
• Views women as "objects."
• Views sex as a "conquest."

Remember... many rapists see their actions as "seduction" rather than sexual assault. If you say "no" to sexual activity and the other person continues to pressure you, this is NOT seduction.