Partying Safely and Sex in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Partying in Grand Rapids—whether you’re downtown on Ionia Ave, at a college house party near GVSU or GRCC, or at a concert or festival—can be a lot of fun. But alcohol and drugs can increase the risk of unplanned, unwanted, or unsafe sex, and can also play a role in sexual assault.

Alcohol is involved in a high proportion of sexual assaults. That does not mean alcohol causes assault; it means some people choose to offend when others are less able to protect themselves.

Sexual assault is always the fault of the perpetrator. It is never the fault of the person it happens to.

If you are partying in Grand Rapids and experience sexual harassment or sexual assault, it is not your fault.

This guide focuses on:

  • Partying safely in Grand Rapids, MI
  • Reducing the risk of unsafe sex
  • Understanding consent and Michigan law
  • Local sexual health and support resources in Grand Rapids

Partying, Alcohol, Drugs, and Sexual Safety

Being aware of the link between alcohol, drugs, and sexual assault can help you make safer choices while still enjoying Grand Rapids’ nightlife.

You Can Have Fun Without Alcohol or Drugs

Many people in Grand Rapids choose to:

  • Go to alcohol-free events (campus events, community festivals, concerts)
  • Enjoy coffee shops, game nights, or outdoor activities along the Grand River
  • Be the designated sober friend for the night

You don’t have to drink or use drugs to have a good time.

If You Choose to Drink

If you do drink alcohol:

  • Pace yourself – sip slowly and avoid shots and rapid drinking
  • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic drinks
  • Eat before and while drinking to slow alcohol absorption
  • Know your limits and decide your maximum number of drinks before you start
  • Stay alert to how you feel and what’s happening around you

When you’re drunk or high, you’re more likely to:

  • Have sex you didn’t plan or don’t really want
  • Forget to use a condom or other protection
  • Misread other people’s boundaries
  • Be targeted by someone looking to take advantage of you

Your Body, Your Choice

You never have to:

  • Have sex
  • Do anything sexual
  • Be touched, kissed, or hugged
  • Send sexual photos or videos

if you don’t want to.

If you don’t want to have sex, or the person you’re with is moving too fast or making you feel uneasy, tell them clearly:

  • “I don’t want to do this.”
  • “Stop.”
  • “I’m not comfortable.”
  • “No.”

You can change your mind at any time—even if you said “yes” earlier.

It’s Not Just Strangers

Unwanted advances and sexual assault often involve:

  • Acquaintances
  • Friends
  • People you’re dating
  • A boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner

Alcohol and drugs can:

  • Cloud judgment
  • Affect decision-making
  • Reduce the ability to assess risk
  • Make it harder to clearly give or receive consent

In Michigan, it is a crime to engage in any sexual activity (including touching) with someone without their consent. This includes when a person is:

  • Too intoxicated to understand what is happening
  • Too intoxicated to clearly say “yes” or “no”
  • Unconscious or asleep

If someone is very drunk or high, they cannot give valid consent.

Sex without consent is sexual assault.

Planning a Safer Night Out in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has a growing nightlife scene—bars, breweries, clubs, and events—especially downtown and around college campuses. A little planning can help keep you and your friends safer.

Go Out and Go Home With People You Trust

  • Arrive with friends you trust and plan to leave together
  • Agree on a meeting spot if you get separated (e.g., near the entrance or a landmark)
  • Check in with each other throughout the night
  • Don’t leave a club, bar, or party with someone you just met
    • If you’re interested, take their number and contact them another day when you’re sober

Nominate a Sober Friend

If you or your group plan to drink or use drugs:

  • Choose at least one friend to stay sober
  • Let that friend know:
    • What you plan to drink or take
    • Where you’ll be and who you’re with
  • Make sure your sober friend:
    • Knows how to get you home safely
    • Can call for help if needed

Avoid Risky Routes and Situations

Grand Rapids winters can be dark, cold, icy, and slippery, which can increase risk when walking home late at night.

To stay safer:

  • Avoid poorly lit side streets, alleys, and isolated areas
  • Stick to main roads and busy, well-lit areas
  • In winter, plan for:
    • Icy sidewalks and reduced visibility
    • Longer waits for rideshares or buses

Whenever possible:

  • Use a cab, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or a trusted ride instead of walking
  • Check The Rapid (Grand Rapids public transit) schedules for late-night routes
  • Keep your phone charged and carry some backup payment method

Drink Spiking in Grand Rapids

Drink spiking means putting alcohol or another drug into someone’s drink without their knowledge. It is illegal in Michigan, whether done to cause harm or as a “joke.”

Most drink spiking incidents involve:

  • Adding extra alcohol to someone’s drink
  • Often by someone the person knows

How to Reduce the Risk of Drink Spiking

  • Buy your own drinks and watch the bartender prepare them
  • Keep an eye on your drink at all times
  • If you leave your drink unattended, do not finish it—buy a new one
  • Don’t accept drinks from strangers or from people you don’t fully trust
  • Don’t let others “top up” your drink
  • Choose drinks with screw-top lids or covers so you can take them with you to the bathroom or dance floor
  • Stay with friends and leave venues as a group whenever possible

If you suddenly feel far more drunk or out of it than you should based on what you’ve had:

  • Tell a trusted friend, bartender, or security staff immediately
  • Get to a safe place
  • Consider going to an emergency department (e.g., Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital)

Safer Sex When You’re Partying

Always Use Protection

If you choose to have sex:

  • Use condoms every time (external “male” condoms or internal “female” condoms)
  • Use condoms from the start of any genital contact to the end
  • Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to reduce the risk of condoms breaking

Carry your own condoms so you’re not relying on what someone else has.

Don’t Be Pressured

You never have to:

  • “Prove” your interest by having sex
  • Go further than you want because someone bought you drinks
  • Stay in a situation that feels unsafe or uncomfortable

If you’re feeling pressured, it’s okay to:

  • Leave the room
  • Call a friend
  • Ask staff or security for help
  • Call 911 if you feel in danger

If You Use Alcohol or Other Drugs

If you decide to use alcohol or other drugs:

  • Set a limit and keep track
    • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks
  • Know what you’re taking
    • Never mix unknown substances
    • Avoid mixing drugs with alcohol
  • Understand the risks of any drug you take
  • Avoid using alone—stay with trusted friends

Remember: being intoxicated makes it harder to:

  • Give clear consent
  • Recognize risky situations
  • Protect yourself from unwanted or unsafe sex

Acting Responsibly Toward Others

Everyone in Grand Rapids’ nightlife scene can help create safer spaces.

  • Don’t pressure anyone to drink or use drugs
  • Don’t call someone “boring” or “no fun” for choosing not to drink
  • Never spike someone’s drink
  • Never make sexual advances toward someone who is drunk, high, or unable to clearly consent
  • Respect “no” the first time—no arguing, guilt-tripping, or manipulation
  • If someone changes their mind and no longer wants to do something sexual, stop immediately

If You’ve Had Unsafe Sex

If you’ve had sex without a condom or your protection failed (e.g., condom broke, missed pills), there are steps you can take.

Emergency Contraception (Pregnancy Prevention)

Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy if:

  • You had sex without a condom
  • The condom broke or slipped off
  • You missed birth control pills
  • You were assaulted

Options include:

  1. Emergency Contraceptive Pill (“Morning After Pill”)

    • Available without a prescription at most pharmacies in Grand Rapids
    • Works best the sooner you take it (ideally within 72 hours, some types up to 5 days)
    • Talk to the pharmacist about:
      • Other medicines you take
      • Health conditions
      • Breastfeeding
    • Not suitable for everyone—ask if it’s safe for you

  2. Copper IUD (Intrauterine Device)

    • Can be inserted by a doctor or nurse within 5 days of unprotected sex
    • Very effective for emergency contraception and ongoing birth control
    • Requires an appointment

You can discuss emergency contraception at:

  • Your primary care provider or OB/GYN
  • Planned Parenthood or family planning clinics in the Grand Rapids area
  • Local urgent care centers or emergency departments

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) Concerns

Even if you have no symptoms, you may still have an STI. Get tested if:

  • You had unprotected sex
  • A condom broke
  • You had sex with a new or multiple partners
  • You were sexually assaulted

You can get STI testing and sexual health care from:

  • Your GP/primary care doctor
  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) clinics in Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids clinics
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health clinics
  • Kent County Health Department sexual health services
  • Community health centers and university health clinics

If You Experience Sexual Assault or Harassment in Grand Rapids

If you have been sexually assaulted or harassed:

  • It is not your fault
  • You are not alone
  • Help and support are available locally

In an Emergency

  • Call 911 for police or ambulance
  • Go to the nearest emergency department, such as:
    • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital (downtown Grand Rapids)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

You can ask for a sexual assault forensic exam (sometimes called a “rape kit”) and medical care. Try not to shower or change clothes beforehand if you can—but your safety and comfort come first. You can still get help even if you have already washed or changed.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids & Kent County

  • Kent County Health Department
    • Sexual health services, STI testing, and referrals
  • Local Sexual Assault Services / Crisis Centers
    • Grand Rapids and Kent County have sexual assault advocacy and crisis services that can:
      • Help you understand your options
      • Provide emotional support
      • Support you through medical, legal, or police processes

(For the most up-to-date local contacts, check the Kent County Health Department, Corewell Health, and Trinity Health Grand Rapids websites, or search “sexual assault help Grand Rapids MI.”)

National hotlines (24/7, free & confidential):

  • RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)
  • SAMHSA National Helpline (substance use/mental health): 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357)

They can connect you with services in Grand Rapids and across Michigan.

Key Points for Safe Partying and Sex in Grand Rapids

  • Partying is fun, but alcohol and drugs can increase the risk of unsafe sex and sexual assault.
  • Sexual assault is always the perpetrator’s fault—never the survivor’s.
  • You can have a great time in Grand Rapids without alcohol or drugs.
  • If you drink or use drugs, set limits, stay with trusted friends, and plan a safe way home.
  • Understand that alcohol and drugs can impair judgment and consent.
  • Protect yourself from drink spiking by watching your drinks and staying with friends.
  • It’s a crime in Michigan to engage in sexual activity without consent, including when someone is too intoxicated to consent.
  • If you’ve had unsafe sex, consider emergency contraception and STI testing.
  • Grand Rapids offers local medical, sexual health, and crisis support—reach out if you need help.