Did you know that 30 percent of women murdered in the US are killed by their boyfriends, husbands, or exes? Or that 20 to 25 percent of college women will experience attempted or complete rape in college? Date rape, intimate violence and relationship abuse are issues that many women face every day. We talked to New Jersey-based counselor Dari Dyrness-Olsen, author of Safe Dating for College Women, about what women can do to protect themselves while dating and in a relationship. Here are her top 10 tips for staying safe.
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Leopards don't change their spots
Women stay in abusive relationships hoping that he will change, but he never does. People don't change unless they actively seek professional help.
Have a safety plan
Everyone can relate to bad relationship experiences. You deserve better. But before you break up with your abusive boyfriend, you must have a safety plan.
Ask yourself "Is the shoe on the other foot?"
You might be reading this article and realize that you are being abusive to your partner. Do you call or text him too much? Are you jealous and controlling? Are you mean to him? Is he your whole life?
Know that there is more to life than guys!
It is better to be happy and alone, than with someone and miserable. Don't have a boyfriend just for the sake of being "in a relationship." There is so much more to life than guys.
Find your voice
You always have the right to say no. Most women are raised to be passive people-pleasers, which has led to decades of violence against women. Every time you respect and honor yourself, you are respecting and honoring every woman of the world!
Domestic violence affects one in three women in the US. Help create awareness and support those in need by watching this video about the "silent secret."
More on preventing abuse and violence against women
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Leopards don't change their spots
Have a safety plan
Ask yourself "Is the shoe on the other foot?"
Know that there is more to life than guys!
Find your voice
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