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Spring break is over for some colleges but is just beginning for several others. It’s a time,(and I have to go way back in my memory) when you can chuck the books relax, stay out late, and sleep in without feeling guilty for missing a class.
Whether you go out to one club or ten in a week of partying there is still a part of you that you don’t want to chuck-your safety.
Seven of these tips are from RAINN and three are from my own experience-which I’ve handed down to my teenagers.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in any situation, go with your gut. If you feel uncomfortable or something doesn’t feel right, leave and get to a safe place immediately. If someone is pressuring you, it’s better to lie and make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse.
- Be wary of the “You Only Live Once” mentality. Being spontaneous and adventurous goes hand-in-hand with spring break. However, being too carefree can lead to dangerous situations. Don’t leave your normal logic at home just because you’re in a foreign place.
- Don’t let your guard down. A spring break destination can create a false sense of security among vacationers. Don’t assume that fellow spring breakers will look out for your best interests; remember they are essentially strangers.
- Protect your location on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. If someone you don’t know or trust asks you to go somewhere alone, let him or her know that you would rather stay with the group. Use any excuse you can think of to get out of a difficult situation.
- Get local. Know your accommodation address and the safest routes to and from your local destinations. Before leaving a hotel, ask the concierge for a business card with the hotel address or write the address down if you are staying at a rental property. Have the number for local cab companies and always keep enough cash on you to take a taxi home. Know who to contact in the event of an emergency, such as 911 or local authorities. If traveling internationally, have the contact information for the U.S. Embassy with you.
- Be a good friend—stick together & have a plan. Check out your surroundings before you go out and learn a well-lit route back to your hotel or rental property. Have a plan A and B.
- Use your cell phone as a tool If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, shoot a quick text for a “friend-assist.” Make a back-up plan before you go out just in case your phone dies. If you are traveling internationally, buy a pay-as-you-go phone or contact your cell phone provider to activate international coverage during your trip.
- Drink responsibly and know your limits. For every alcoholic drink, drink an equal amount of club soda, water, iced tea. Don’t be that girl that stumbles into the bathroom barfing all over the place.
- Shield your drinks. Keep your drink close, don’t leave it on the table. It only takes seconds to drug your drink. Likewise don’t accept drinks from strangers.
- Check out the club before you go there. Do they have a reputation for drugs, fights or shootings? If so, find somewhere else to go.
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| rainn.org |
In the event of a sexual assault during spring break, seek immediate medical attention. In the U.S., call 911 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) for advice and support. If you are traveling internationally contact the State Department or the American Embassy in country, to be connected with special services for American victims of crime abroad. You can also register your international trip with the U.S. State Department, to be notified of safety status changes.
I’ve pledged a personal 30 day campaign to raise funds for RAINN. It’s not a whole lot, but it’s an effort to support victims and be part of the change to make lives better. I invite you “…to be the change you wish to see in this world.”-Gandhi
On my Facebook page I’ll have status updates, until April 19, 2013, on this fundraising effort. I’m also giving away one of the Hope, Strength, or Courage bracelets.*
Contributions are tax deductible, safe on a secure website, and you will receive a receipt from RAINN.
Have a wonderful weekend.
*details are posted on my FB page about the giveaway.
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