Founder of Date Safe Project comes to Barrie Campus Sept. 6

Aug. 27, 2018

There are so many questions about relationships, sexual intimacy, consent, bystander intervention, and supporting survivors that it can feel overwhelming.

• What are the right things to say and do in a relationship and in moments of sexual intimacy?
• How can I help my friend who was sexually assaulted?
• How do I create a culture of consent and respect for myself and those I care about?

These are all important questions that Mike Domitrz, critically acclaimed author and founder of the Date Safe Project, will address when he visits Georgian’s Barrie Campus on Thursday, Sept. 6 to present his talk, “Can I Kiss You?”

Domitrz presents an often-funny and candid look at dating, communication, respect and intimacy. He’ll share insights on consent, bystander intervention and how to support sexual assault survivors.

With his background in entertainment, he created “Can I Kiss You?” – a fun, interactive, and thought-provoking program that focuses on why “asking first” makes all the difference. Since 1990, he has been motivating and igniting change around the world. He is a sought-after speaker and has been well received by students at postsecondary institutions across North America. This is his third time at Georgian.

Mackenzie Hulme, a second-year General Business student, is looking forward to the presentation. “I feel Georgian is a safe place to go to school and takes many different precautions to help us feel safe and supported,” says Mackenzie who also works part-time as a server in the college’s student pub, The Last Class (TLC).

“Sexual harassment and consent is taken very seriously at TLC and all staff members are trained on how to react, what to say, and how to support our customers,” continues Mackenzie. “The Last Class is a space for all students to feel safe, included, and welcomed. We have signs in both washrooms with instructions on what to do if you’re feeling unsafe due to a bad date or other circumstances. The signs give a name and you just walk up to the bar staff or any server and say the name. They will get you out of that situation, bring you to a manager who will ensure your safety. If it isn’t already, I think this should be in place in all establishments.”

Mackenzie adds that students should download the Safe@Georgian app that provides quick access to Campus Security. “You can easily send your location and a photo to security staff tapping a single button,” she says. The app has a personal safety toolbox, including a flashlight, loud alarm, campus maps, on-campus support resources, and more.

Georgian is also home to many international students who are adjusting to a different culture and life miles away from their families. “Things are a bit different where I’m from,” says Dan (Doreen) Liu, a second-year Practical Nursing student from China. “I had an experience a few years ago with a guy I met in a nightclub. We became friends, however, after a hanging out with him a few times, I had to stop seeing him because he was always trying to kiss me. I told him no and that there was no space to negotiate as kissing someone on the cheek is not in my culture,” Dan explains.

Dan adds that she appreciates how both Georgian and her clinical placement employer, the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, care about her personal safety.

“Can I Kiss You?” will take place on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in the Georgian Theatre at the Barrie Campus and will be livestreamed to Georgian’s six other campuses. The event is free and open to everyone.