Recommending Self-Defense and Other Safety Tips
I'm not sure if this has a section on the site anywhere but I noticed and left admin feedback on the college guide regarding safety tips not being a part of the guide yet. (Don't leave your dorm room open for anyone you don't already know and trust. Sexual assault opportunists wait for that sort of easy target.) I think having a section for safety tips for the vulnerable or just anyone in general would be a wise addition to the site which can help everyone feel safer.
I've taken self defence classes before and know for a fact they are not about "man-hating" or about "intimidation" though for sure not knowing what to expect at one will seem intimidating. I had fun at every course I took. Wen-Do is one I recommend highly even for low income participants. It's a great chance to socialize with others like yourself and helps your confidence grow! It's more about self-preservation and learning a potentially life saving skill in a fun environment and you won't be forced to do anything there which makes you feel unsafe. I've never met anyone there that wasn't friendly and also often loving to their male partners.
Having a section like that on the site can also potentially help people see that what happened to them is definitely not their fault. It can also be an awareness opporunity on how to avoid becoming part of the problem because many people who "date rape" are not aware of how important consent is to begin with.
@CoinFountain
I just participated in a self-defense course a couple days ago and found it to be a lot of fun! What I'm getting from your post is you would like there be a section in the forums about self-defense and safety, is that correct?
@MonBon
I would like a section on the forums as well as one in the 7cups college guide because currently the college guide says nothing about self-defence and even encourages people to leave dorm doors open which is a very risky thing to do. Instead it should be recommending making use of the dorm's common areas (some dorms have pool tables and/or designated spaces for viewing movies which aren't as secluded as their dorm room which can be monitored and seen by those walking past) or taking part in the clubs/events. There's also nothing in the guide about how important consent is while seeking intimate encounters which should be mandatory learning in all schools but unfortunately there's still many of them that don't teach it early enough and people still hit college age without knowing "no means no" or having any clue what safe words are.
@CoinFountain
Okay awesome! would you mind filling out this suggestion box form so it can go under review? Thanks!