The Date Safe Project Joins Oprah Winfrey Asking Communities to Help...

Just as Oprah Winfrey has promised to "move heaven and earth," to eliminate sexual predators from our streets, a new program developed by The Date Safe Project asks students and families to pledge their support and protection to one another to help reduce the number of sexual assault and date rape incidents. "Oprah's commitment to this cause is exactly the kind of community involvement we need to help put these people away and help raise awareness for families and children of the real dangers that exist out there," said Mike Domitrz, The Date Safe Project's founder and an expert on sexual assault. "Our program further reinforces the responsibility of communities and teaches friends and families the importance of supporting and protecting one another." The Date Safe Project's program offers two "contracts." The agreements are educational resources provided to schools and families by The Date Safe Project, a national organization based on Domitrz's "Can I Kiss You" program and his book "May I Kiss You" Details on each are available online at www.TheDateSafeProject.org. The Commitment to Care agreement is designed for parents and children. Children promise to come to their parents if they are ever victimized in any way sexually, and parents promise to support their children in the way the child wishes to be supported. "Unfortunately, many children who are victims of sexual molestation, and/or teens who have been date raped, resist telling parents," said Domitrz. "The reasons range from embarrassment to worrying what their parents will actually do to the perpetrator. This agreement helps open the dialogue between parents and children and creates guidelines both parents and children can be sure of if ever faced with this kind of trauma." The Pledge to Protect is designed for students in middle and high schools and colleges and universities. Students announce their support for others and promise to help peers who find themselves in potentially dangerous situations. They also vocalize their support for those who have survived a sexual assault. Domitrz presents the Pledge to Protect at the end of his program "Can I Kiss You" when visiting schools and universities. "By making this pledge, students create a united front against sexual assault and date rape, visible to all who need support and to those who have or could possibly commit a sexual crime. It says 'we will not tolerate this." said Domitrz.     In the beginning of her program's 2005 fall season, Oprah enlisted the help of American viewers in apprehending individuals wanted for sexual crimes against children. So far, two men accused of sexual assault and child molestation who were recognized from their photos displayed during Winfrey's program have been caught.     Mike Domitrz is a nationally-recognized speaker and author. He became an advocate for sexual assault survivors following the rape of his sister in 1989. His "Can I Kiss You" presentation covers the delicate issues of healthy dating, misconceptions about body language, the importance of asking permission, and the trauma of sexual assault. His audiences range from middle and high school students to university co-eds to parents and educators. To learn more about The Date Safe Project, visit www.TheDateSafeProject.org.

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