Safe Dating Tips

Dating sites and apps are more popular than ever, and connecting with new people can be as simple as swiping right on your smart phone. No matter how you know the person, when meeting someone for the first time, you should take precautions.

Meet in Public During the Day
Meet in a public place with good lighting. If the person you’re talking to or chatting with insists you meet at his or her residence or yours, a parking lot or somewhere private, this is a red flag. A busy daytime coffee shop or restaurant may not be private, but others will be around if an unsafe situation arises.

Tell a Friend
Let at least one friend, or more if possible, know where you are going and who you are meeting. Getting your date’s first and last name prior to meeting is a good idea, too.

Have Your Own Transportation
It's not a good idea to allow your date to pick you up the first time you are going to meet. If things don’t go well, you might not want them to know where you live. Also, if you need to make a quick exit, you'll want to have your own vehicle or money for a cab available.

Stay Sober
Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and incapacitate you, making you vulnerable to robbery or assault. Avoiding alcohol and drugs will help you maintain a level head and presence of mind.

 

Get the RAVE Guardian Safety App

In case of emergency, this free app turns your phone into a mobile safety device, on or off campus, connecting you with law enforcement and emergency personnel.

 

Need to Talk to Someone?

Individual and group counseling, walk-in appointments and crisis intervention are available Counseling Services.