May I Kiss You?: A Candid Look at Dating, Communication, Respect, and Sexual Assault Awareness - Review

May I Kiss You?: A Candid Look at Dating, Communication, Respect, & Sexual Assault Awareness by Michael Domitrz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everyone should read this book, but it's an especially good one for families whose children are soon to be of dating age, and for organizations that work with children and teens.

Sexual assault awareness may seem like a difficult topic to bring up, but Michael Domitrz goes over things in such a conversational way, starting with the topic of kissing, that it makes the topic non-intimidating. It's non-gender-specific, accepting the reality of the situation that both males and females can be victims and that everyone has the potential to sexually assault someone else.

There is zero victim-blaming in this book, accepting the reality that only the offender is to blame, never the victim, no matter who is victim is. The book also deals with ways that everyone - absolutely everyone - can help stop the occurrence of sexual assaults by examining our own assumptions and stereotypes, speaking out against sexism and harassment, not contributing to sexual double standards for boys and girls, and promoting a culture of open, honest communication around consent.

The book also includes positive, helpful ways you can be a supportive friend or family member to someone who's been assaulted. It contains plenty of interactive activities and resources to go to for further information and to help people take action toward a consent culture.

It's a wonderful resource, full of hope and positivity, and that's why I really can't recommend this highly enough.



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The author, Michael J. Domitrz, was inspired to write this book when his sister was assaulted. He's the founder of the Date Safe Project. You can find additional resources there, including educational posters, DVDs and audio downloads.

If you'd like to have Mike as a guest speaker, you can call the Date Safe Project at (800) 329-9390 or e-mail mike (at) datesafeproject.org (without the spaces, of course).

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this review, which represents my own honest opinion.