Dating Safety- My Soap Box.

Part of being single is dating, and part of dating is thinking of safety. An SUU student was sexually assaulted recently, and as I was watching a newscast about it, I was bugged by the comments the girls being interviewed were making. The incident was actually a date rape, not someone jumping out of the bushes. The girls answered that they thought they were fine because they were "always aware of their surroundings," and they "made sure not to walk alone in the dark." I just about jumped out my seat! While these precautions are good to take, there are many other things to think about. Statistically speaking (and from personal experience as a former rape crisis team member, who also worked at a women's crisis center), acquaintance rapes far outnumber stranger rapes.  I think new ideas about dating safety need to be addressed.

With that said, here is my list of things to do to be safe on a date:

1. Be careful about someone you meet online, because a guy can say anything he thinks you want to hear.

2. If you do meet someone online, get to know them in person before you get too close. Don't have him pick you up at your house. It's best to meet in a public place with lots of people around (I know there are a lot of people who met their spouse online. Obviously not everyone is dangerous).

3. If you're going on a blind date, make sure you trust the person who set you up (Paola, you're good). And follow the guidelines in rule 2 as well.

4. Double dates area always a good idea, especially if you don't know the guy very well.

5. I know it's said a lot, but really, watch your drinks. Date rape-drugs are around.

6. If you're going to a party, make sure you're with a friend who can check on your whereabouts.


7. Last of all, NEVER NEVER NEVER go into a house or apartment alone with a guy you just met, or any guy for that matter!!!!!! Ok, maybe husbands are ok.  

I did write more, but I figure this is enough.  Be safe, even if you are married!