Safe Relationship Tips

1. Love yourself. It is important that you are comfortable with yourself. Know your own strengths and be proud of them. If you are happy with yourself, you will be a happier partner.
2. Share your feelings. If you are upset or concerned, talk about it. Working through difficult situations builds trust and helps make relationships even stronger.
3. Don’t assume you know what someone else is thinking or feeling. If you want to know what is on your partner’s mind — ask. Make sure you are ready to hear the answer.
4. Spend time on your own. Sometimes people think a healthy relationship means spending all your time together. It is actually healthier for people to spend time with different people than with just one person. That way they can develop their own interests and talents and grow as individuals.
5. Communicate openly and honestly about sex. This is the only way your partner will really know what is comfortable for you and what gives you pleasure.
6. Take care of your sexual health. In a healthy relationship, both partners want to protect their sexual health. Getting checkups for STDs and practicing safer sex are important. Make an appointment with your doctor or at a Clinic to get birth control, tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and information about your sexual health.

Sexual Safety Tips

Avoiding Abuse:

1. Know how your body works
2. Know that you have the right to say “No” to sexual touch or activity of any kind
3. You have the right to tell someone you trust if someone touches you without your permission
4. Know the difference between behaviour that is ok in private, but not in public
5. Know when it is ok to be touched by a stranger (e.g. doctor check-up)
6. Touching another person without their permission is not ok
7. Talk to your partner about sex and what you both like and dislike
8. Be clear about what sexual contact is not ok for you
9. Carry a whistle

Created with the support of the City of Toronto