I had no clue as to what could happen to a girl in her teens. My parents never told me about the possible dangers. They kept me sheltered from danger.They said they did it because they loved me. The truth is, they sheltered me out of fear.

Had they not buried their heads and prepared me for why lie ahead in the real world, my life may have been much different today.

I never expected rape to be part of my life. Don't think it can't happen to you. Educate yourself. Look for the warning signs and avoid possible situations, even if it means loosing out on a night of fun with friends.

Some of the Do's I talk about will most likely seem lame to you. Reading them, they seem that way to me. However, I wish I would have taken the advice I am giving you now. Let me explain.

When I went on a date, I met my date where I worked because my parents objected to him. He tried to date rape me that night. He failed but six months later he, with three other guys, gang raped me. My biography gives the details of my encounter.

Talking to your parents before anything happens is a good idea and they may just give you good advice to live with. The first time I talked to my mother was the morning after I was gang raped. Her reaction was to blame me and yell at me. Create a dialog with your parents before anything happens.

Having your parents meet your date is a way to help safe guard you from what could happen. If your date refuses to come inside to meet your parents, dump them right away. They are hiding something and you do not need to see it later!

Go out and have some fun. Do it in groups. This is your body and you have the right to say no. Keep yourself educated and well informed. Avoid the late night walks alone. As a teen, make sure your boss has enough people around to keep you safe from harmful events. Grown women should always do the same as well but teens are the main target.

Don't paint a "Bulls Eye" on you!

The Do's of avoiding problems!

1) Always know your friends.
Never assume your friends are safe or will keep you safe in any situation. Before you venture out, know who you are going out with.

2) Avoid single dating until you know your date very well.
Find out as much as you can about your date. Be aware of where you are going. Ask friends about their reputation. Go out as a group, several times if necessary before you date anyone alone.

3) Be "Old-fashion"
Have your date knock on your door. Invite your date in to meet your parents. I know, sounds like the TV shows out of the 60's but there is a strong message in those shows. Allowing your parents to know who you're dating will help to avoid conflicts later in the night and your date may think twice before making advances.

4) Have a chat with your parents.
Ask your parents for advice before you go out. If your parents care, they will give you good advice. Have peace of mind to know that if you are attacked, you can come to them. If you can't go to your parents, find someone you can trust to help you, Just In Case!

The Don'ts! What to avoid.

1) Never drink on a date.
I know, everyone drinks. Have you ever heard the saying, "Candy's sweet but liquor's quicker?" Avoid drinking or you may pay the price.
Never leave your open soft drink (or any other drink) unattended. One little pill can render your helpless!

2) Don't hide your friends from your parents.
Always let your parents know who you friends are. If your friends introduce you to someone new and you do not feel comfortable about the person you just met, leave right away if you can. Always plan an out.

3) Avoid giving out information on the internet.
Read our safety page on conduct on the internet.

4) Avoid the reputation.
With women, men are drawn to reputations that make a girl seem easy. I know, sex can be fun and it is. However, besides the reputation, the unwanted baby or the disease that may follow, your submitting may lead others to think you will submit to anyone. The result can be date rape. No rape is ever your fault but you can take steps to avoid it.