Be Your Own Sweetheart this Valentine’s Day by Keeping Your Personal Safety in Mind

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in four women in the United States reports experiencing violence by a current or former spouse or boyfriend at some point in her life. Another startling statistic is that the Canadian Red Cross reports that at least 1 in 5 Canadian teens experience dating violence.

As people get ready to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, it is important to take time to ensure your personal safety and to make sure the people you love are also safe.

Whether you are spending this Valentine’s Day with a longtime love or a new date, personal safety should always be your primary concern. These personal safety tips are a good reminder to always be aware and protect yourself.

- Have a safe first date by planning ahead. If you decide on an in-person meeting with someone you meet online, arrange to have your first date in a public place or consider going as part of a group or double-date. Also share your plans with a friend, parent or other family member.

- Plan for safety and security in your home. Personal safety begins at home. If you ever feel unsafe or threatened by anyone, notify police immediately. Consider installing a monitored home alarm system to help control access to your home. If you already have an alarm, make sure to use it when you are home or away. Most home alarm systems include a hold-up alarm or panic button feature that can be used to summon authorities in the event of an emergency.

- If you drink on a date, do so responsibly. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 73 percent of female rape victims know their attacker. Alcohol often plays a major role in rape victimizations, so if you drink, drink responsibly and always keep an eye on your drink to make sure no one adds anything to it.

- Prepare a backup plan for safety. If your Valentine’s Day date plans on driving you, take time to make sure you have extra money on hand and the phone number for a taxi in your area. Make sure you have phone numbers for friends or family members who could pick you up if your date does not go as planned.

- Be alert and aware if you go home alone. If you leave a restaurant or bar alone, be alert on your way home and aware of your surroundings at all times. If you suspect someone is following you on foot or by car, go immediately to the first open business or police station to get help.

Personal safety means being able to live without the fear or threat of violence. As individuals, there are some simple steps we can take this Valentine’s Day to safeguard our personal security and reduce the likelihood of being a victim of crime.
 

• Tweet