SAFE & HEALTHY DATING TIPS!
There's enough to stress about before you head out on a date. With everything else your mind (and heart) may be focusing on, your safety should be built into your dating plans.
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. You don't have to spill all the juicy details, but at least let someone know what your plans are.
- Drive yourself or agree to meet your date somewhere. While having your date pick you up may seem nice, it can also leave you stranded if the date isn't going well and you want to split.
- Go with another couple. If you're not quite sure how interested you are in someone, go out with a bunch of people. You can disguise it ("I'd love to check out this new club with you, and some friends of mine are going on Saturday...") while still making sure you aren't stuck alone.
- Go somewhere public. As romantic as a candlelight dinner at your date's apartment may sound, it's not a good idea if you don't know someone very well. Meet somewhere very public during your first few dates.
- Use alcohol responsibly. If you're old enough to be drinking, you're old enough to handle it like an adult. Don't get yourself into a situation you didn't plan on due to alcohol.
- Say "no" when you feel like it. Saying "no" is fine at any point, and you shouldn't worry about sounding rude. There are plenty of ways to say "no" nicely. (i.e. “Thank you, but I’ve had enough to drink tonight.”)
- Listen to your gut. If something or someone doesn't feel right, listen to that feeling. It's there for a reason.
- Watch your drink at all times. Keeping an eye on your drink means someone else can't change your plans for the evening without you knowing about it.
- Carry cash. Everything seemed great at first, but it went downhill faster than you could believe. Now you're stuck at a club and just want to run. Having cash available in your wallet makes catching a cab or bus much, much easier.
- Agree to check in with a friend at a certain time. If you don't want to worry about calling someone at a preset time, have them call you. Decide beforehand language you can use to say if it's going well or not. ("Yes, the food here is fantastic," or "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear you're sick!" won't sound strange to your date, but your friend can pick up on what's going on.) Having your roommate call you because she's "suddenly sick" is a great way to slip out of a bad date early. Just make sure to answer the phone when your friend calls.
Source: College Dating: 10 Tips for Dating Safely
Taking Care of Your Safety on a Date Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
By Kelci Lynn, About.com
Sponsored by KCC’s Violence Prevention Task Forcerev. Oct. 2009
SECURITY TIPS TO AVOID THEFT
- Double check your locks after securing them.
- DON’T buy the cheapest lock.
- DON’T give your combination to anyone.
- DON’T leave anything unattended.
- When using restroom, DON’T leave bags or purses on floor.
- Make your items look different from others, so it is easily identifiable.
Source: Wayne Fredericks, KCC Campus Security Officer
SECURITY TIPS AT NIGHT
- Park in a well lit area.
- Contact KCC Security for an escort.
- Walk with a friend.
- DON’T walk near…
-Shrubbery or bushes.
-In between parked cars.
-Suspicious groups of people.
- Have your keys out before you get to your vehicle.
- Walk confidently- head up and shoulders back.
Sponsored by KCC’s Violence Prevention Task Forcerev. Oct. 2009
Healthy Relationships & Campus Safety
WHAT DO YOU FEEL MAKES A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP?
What makes a relationship healthy? Two people who value and respect each other is a good start. Here are some characteristics you may want to consider in a potential boyfriend/girlfriend/partner.
He or she:
Supports your relationships with friends and family members. He or she spends time with your friends and family to get to know them, but gives you space to spend time with them alone.
Maintains his or her own friendships and wants you to get to know his or her friends.
Continues his or her own interests in outside activities, such as sports, clubs, groups, jobs, or hobbies, and allows you to do the same.
Asks your opinion and respectfully listens to your answers.
Is comfortable with you having different opinions, and does not take it as a personal insult if you disagree.
Accepts responsibility for his or her own behavior, thoughts, or feelings.
Apologizes when he or she is wrong, and accepts your apologies when you are wrong.
Considers your relationship a partnership.
Shares decision-making.
Expects both partners to control their own money.
Does not use manipulation (financial, emotional, etc.) to get what he or she wants.
Treats you and other people as well as himself or herself with respect.
Is supportive of your friendships with people of the opposite sex, and does not get overly jealous or possessive.
Trusts you and is trustworthy.
Encourages you in your goals and dreams.
Makes positive statements about your strengths and achievements.
Is complimentary; does not criticize the way you look or dress.
Is someone you feel safe with.
Resolves conflicts through clear dialogue without using insults, threats, or violence.
Source: StudentAssaultResourceCenter, The University of Montana – Missoula
Sponsored by KCC’s Violence Prevention Task Forcerev. Oct. 2009