BEFORE YOU LEAVE ON A DATE:

• Know exactly where you are going, and for how long. 

• Tell someone you trust what the plan is and what time you will be home. 

• Let your date know that you will be expected home at a certain time and/or that you are expected to check in.

• Consider double dating the first couple of times you go out with a new person - until you get to know them better. 

• Use your own transportation. Or always bring some money for a phone call or a taxi, just in case, so you're not stuck on a date that goes bad.

• Go to public places like a bowling alley or restaurant. Don't go to a secluded park with a person you barely know. 

• If you leave a party with a new friend, make sure you let someone else know that you are leaving and with whom, and ask them to call to make sure you got home safely.

• Don't give your address. 

WATCH YOUR DRINK:

• Never leave your beverage unattended. Take it wherever you go.

• Never drink from a glass that has left your sight while you were either talking or dancing. 

• Don't accept a drink from someone unless you saw where it came from. 

• Limit yourself to one drink. Alcohol remains the date rape drug of choice by an enormous margin.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!

• If you begin to feel uncomfortable, think of ways to end the date. 

• Possible excuses: "I'm feeling sick". You can also use your parents as an excuse: "Mom is real strict, I need to get home now!"

EXPECT RESPECT:

• If he moves too fast, LET HIM KNOW! You can say "NO" with your words, your hands, and how you act. Let him know what's OK and what's NOT OK with you.

• To say, "No, I'm not ready" is not clear. Generally, anything other than "No" leads to arguments, debates, and persuasion. 

AT HOME:

• Check for anything amiss before entering your home. 

• Make sure a friend or family member always knows your schedule.

• Have a Home Security Survey done. 

• Plan several escape routes from your home.

• If you are a single woman - use ONLY initials at door and in phone book. Pretend there is a man at home is someone calls.

• When alone at home:
  - Keep lights on in more than one room.
  - Always keep doors and windows locked.
  - Be alert to suspicious phone calls.
  - Never let a stranger in your home, even a
    woman.

IN PARKING LOTS:

• Choose a spot close to the building.

• At shopping malls, park near an anchor store such as a large department store.

• Never leave valuables visible in your car.

• Have your keys in hand when returning to your car.

• Have security walk you to your car.