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The Safe Date Project visits Keesler

Mike Domitrz, The Safe Date Project, Inc. founder, welcomes Keesler parents and teens to his “Can I Kiss You” presentation Aug. 1, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The presentation, sponsored by the Keesler Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, provides parents, educators, students, military installations, community organizations, and others with resources, educational materials, and programs that address healthy intimacy, sexual assault awareness, and support for sexual assault survivors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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The Safe Date Project visits Keesler

Master Sgt. Laurie Holmes, 334th Training Squadron, and her children attend a “Can I Kiss You” presentation by Mike Domitrz, The Safe Date Project, Inc. founder, Aug. 1, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The presentation, sponsored by the Keesler Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, provides parents, educators, students, military installations, community organizations, and others with resources, educational materials, and programs that address healthy intimacy, sexual assault awareness, and support for sexual assault survivors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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The Safe Date Project visits Keesler

Mike Domitrz, The Safe Date Project, Inc. founder, speaks with Keesler parents and teens about dating and relationships during his “Can I Kiss You” presentation Aug. 1, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The presentation, sponsored by the Keesler Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, provides parents, educators, students, military installations, community organizations, and others with resources, educational materials, and programs that address healthy intimacy, sexual assault awareness, and support for sexual assault survivors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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The Safe Date Project visits Keesler

Mike Domitrz, The Safe Date Project, Inc. founder, speaks with Keesler parents and teens Senior Airman Ciara Bien, 81st Medical Support Squadron, (right), and her sister attend a “Can I Kiss You” presentation by Mike Domitrz, The Safe Date Project, Inc., Aug. 1, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The presentation, sponsored by the Keesler Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, provides parents, educators, students, military installations, community organizations, and others with resources, educational materials, and programs that address healthy intimacy, sexual assault awareness, and support for sexual assault survivors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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The Safe Date Project visits Keesler

Published Aug. 5, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Two Marines sit on the Welch Theater stage in front of a medium-sized crowd and carry out a short conversation to the delight of their peers. The mock conversation is an improvised first date and must end with the phrase, "Can I kiss you?"

The presentation, led by Safe Date Project founder Mike Domitrz, offered an unconventional perspective on romantic relationships to Keesler personnel Aug. 1-2.

"Mike Domitrz is one of the most sought-after speakers for college campuses on the issue of sexual assault and dating," said Barry Newman, 81st Training Wing sexual assault prevention and response office.

Unlike a typical briefing about sexual assault, the "Can I Kiss You?" presentation was dependent on audience participation and often used humor.

Domitrz emphasized open communication as the best tool for consensual relationships, stating that intimacy is not as spontaneous as people think it is.

"Sexually touching someone, even if it's just a kiss, until they stop you isn't romantic," said Domitrz. "It makes the interaction about your own wants and desires, not the other person's. The practice of asking first breeds healthy habits."

The presentation also deals with ways to prevent possible assault from happening to others and the proper care of a victim, corroborated by Domitrz' personal experience.

The Safe Date Project offers resources and articles for all age groups, military, students and survivors of sexual assault or abuse.

For more information, visit www.datesafeproject.org, or call the sexual assault prevention and response office, 228-377-8635.