Safety First

Over the end of the summer of 2012, sexual assaults seem to have escalated. It wasn't that the problem wasn't there before, but during that short stretch between when the short shorts went away and the long pants and jackets made an appearance, down-town sexual assault was on the news constantly. Though there is no such things perfection, there are ways to protect yourself and those you love.

This blog post is not to freak you out needlessly, but this is a way to take a few extra precaution so you can remain safe or as safe as possible.

The first is education. You have to get in the habit of paying attention to the news. Visit the OPP's website from time to time and keep yourself in the know about what is happening in and around you.

Technology has become an unwitting accomplice in most attacks because we walk around with her headphones on, and our eyes glued to the screen of her ipad/phones/ipods and hoods up, we are not paying attention to what is happening around us.   We have to be a little more aware of our surroundings when travelling.

Safety in numbers is often times the way to go. If you go out with a bunch of people, don't wander off by yourself. Smoke breaks are a perfect time for people to wander off to dark, secluded areas but this is never a good idea. If you have no one to take a smoke break with ensure you're taking this break in a well lit area where you are within screaming distance of everyone else. If you go outside the door and you cannot see the bouncer at the club, chances are he can't see you so if anything happens help will not be close by.  Another thing, if you go out with a bunch of people, don't leave alone and don't leave with a stranger.

When you go out we are often tempted to leave our drinks and food under the watchful eyes of a friend. Though they often times mean well, try to avoid doing this. A friend could be taken in by the lovely hottie across the room, take their eyes off your food/drink for a second and that's enough time to have something slip into your food/drink. If you leave your food/drink try not to go back to it.

Trust your gut. If something seem shady to you, chances are it is. Be careful out there. Be safe.