Dating Safely:4selfdefence

Read the following and do a quick risk assessment before you go on your next date,

1.What or who is vulnerable and needs protecting?

2.What or who is the threat?

3.What is the likelihood or risk of being attacked?

4. What would be the consequence, cost or impact if attacked?

6. Can we remove the threat completely?

7. If the threat can’t be removed what preventive methods can we put in place?

8. Time line for putting preventive methods in place.

9.Monitor, review and improve

All dates should be enjoyable, the reason we participate in social activities is for the enjoyment of the occasion. The things we should know before we venture out (including first dates) could include but not be limited to:

• Don’t go out with a person who is known to do drugs or drink excessively.
• Don’t go out with drug dealers or people involved with illegal activities
• If a person grabs, pushes, verbally abuses or assaults you in any way you must report them.  
• Know where you are going, which venue: 
• Find out where you are going to and find out about the venue, if the reports are not good; don’t go there and maybe suggest an alternative.
• If you get to the venue and you are not comfortable there it would be better to get your date to take you somewhere else

Know how you are getting home. Always be prepared for the unexpected and have at least two ways to get home: 

• Your date
• Friend
• Taxi
• Public transport

First dates and relationships are a very personal issue and the above precautions are only a guide, if you have a problem you should discuss this issue with your parents or trusted friend or seek professional advice.