Some Common Sense Tips to Keep You Safe

Whether you are out for the evening at a bar or club, or out speed dating some straight forward guidelines will help you to stay better protected. With a dramatic increase in date rape stories it is very important to stay safe.

Ideally whenever you go out for the evening make sure you go with friends. Plan how you will get there and back. If you are travelling by taxi, book ahead of time with a reputable firm and take a note of their number. Make sure that someone knows of your plans, what time you will be back and how you will be travelling. Telephone them if you are delayed or if your plans change.

Even though you may be out with friends, do not assume nothing bad will happen especially if alcohol is involved. The more intoxicated you become, the more your defences drop along with the ability to protect yourself. This is not to say do not drink any alcohol, simply do not lose control. Often things are said and done while under the influence of alcohol which would be completely out of character normally.

Once you arrive at your destination look for the exits and where the door staff are positioned. Devise a plan in advance of what you will do if there are any problems or if you get separated from your friends.

Do not leave any bags unattended and make sure they are tightly zipped so that your purse is not exposed. Also never have your name or address attached to any keys or in your handbag. Carry as little money as possible in a purse or bag - it is better to have it distributed within your clothing.

If your intention is possibly to meet up with someone of the opposite sex then know what you want sexually, set limits that you are happy with and do take care not to give out mixed messages. It is important to trust your instincts so avoid situations where you have any doubt. If you begin to feel uncomfortable, be firm and assertive. Remember that the other person may not know what you do, or do not want. If it is something that you do not want, reject the activity and not the person. Get out of that situation as soon as you begin to feel controlled or unsafe. Initially this may be by making noise and yelling. The other persons feelings are not your concern here, only your own safety. Also remember that saying nothing does not mean you are consenting in anyway whatsoever.

If you decide to invite someone back to your place for coffee and your intention is simply coffee make that very, very clear at the outset. Equally, do not be pressurised into inviting someone in for coffee. If they really like you and you want to wait, they should not mind.

If you do invite someone back and they refuse to leave when you ask, find an excuse to leave the room and telephone either a sober friend or the police. If you do not feel the situation warrants this, but that you would still like the person to leave, start developing some really bad habits such as picking your nose, talking about your stools or sexual diseases. Basically start talking about anything to put the other person off.

Even if you have met up with the other person before and feel secure with how things are developing, it is perhaps better to avoid secluded places at the start. Progress things at the rate with which you are comfortable.