Can I Kiss You: A Thought-Provoking Look at Relationships, Intimacy & Sexual Assault - Softcover

Domitrz, Michael J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0997286601 ISBN 13: 9780997286601

Publisher: DATE SAFE Project, The, 2016

Synopsis

Can I Kiss You? is an in-depth look at the realities of relationships and sexual intimacy. While most people simply “make their move” with a partner, Mike Domitrz reveals why asking first makes all the difference. Domitrz’s candid advice, real-life scenarios, and helpful strategies will revolutionize your approach to relationships while adding romance and building respect for all partners. Plus, Domitrz will heighten your awareness of potential dangers, including sexual assault. You will discover specific steps for intervening to help those you care about. People of all ages are experiencing success with this innovative, respectful, and eye-opening approach to relationships.

About this title

About the Author:

Mike Domitrz is an internationally renowned speaker, subject matter expert, trainer, and a critically acclaimed author who has devoted his life to reducing sexual assault by helping society transform our culture to one built on respect and consent. After the devastation of his sister being sexually assaulted in 1989, Mike was determined to make a difference. While still in college, he created and designed his own interactive presentation, “Can I Kiss You? Dating, Communication, Respect & Sexual Assault Awareness.” His goal was to open the eyes of people toward this important societal issue. Today, Mike speaks to tens of thousands each year. His impact on audiences has made him one of the most sought-after subject matter experts and presenters in schools, on college campuses, at educational conferences, and on military installations around the world. He created “The Date Safe Project” to launch national initiatives and produce educational products to assist students, parents, educators, military leaders, and survivors across the globe (www.DateSafeProject.org). Media and news outlets appreciate Mike’s unique and helpful insights, including Dateline NBC’s “My Kid Would Never Do That” special series that featured Mike as an expert on its episode addressing sexual assault, consent, and bystander intervention.

From the Inside Flap:

"'Can I Kiss You?' may be one of the most important books you ever read. Mike Domitrz's important work changes, and saves, lives! Read this book; then re-read it. And make sure to get copies for anyone you love and care about."--James Malinchak, Featured on ABCs Hit TV Show, Secret Millionaire, Co-Author of the Best-Selling book, "Chicken Soup for the College Soul" "As a sergeant who supervised the San Diego Police Department Sex Crimes Unit for ten years and the founder of End Violence Against Women International, I am painfully aware of the need for this book and the outreach Michael J.Domitrz has with young people. When I read the book, I immediately thought, 'I want my nineteen-year-old daughter, a university freshman, to read this.' The book isn't just for young people who are exploring healthy relationships and intimacy. It can also be extremely helpful for parents and other family members who should be talking to the young adults in their lives about healthy relationships and potential abuse. Professionals such as teachers, social workers, counselors, and law enforcement will also find the information useful. I highly recommend adding 'Can I Kiss You?' to your reading list."--Joanne Archambault, Executive Director, EVAW International "'Can I Kiss You?' is an excellent read whether you are twelve or have been married sixty years. You'll be challenged to examine your own relationship and how you communicate with others. This book is insightful and gives practical ways to deal with awkward dating situations and human interaction while incorporating themes of respect and honesty throughout."-- Ms. Sarah Sullivan, Educator, Military Victim Advocate, and Veteran "'Can I Kiss You?' is more than a sexual assault book--it is more than a dating book. Its pages are filled with valuable life-saving scenarios, questions, and solutions; it will empower you with heightened awareness that could save your life or the life of someone you know!"--Becky Mackintosh, Author, Speaker, Teacher, Mother, and Grandmother "Domitrz's 'Can I Kiss You?' is one of the greatest resources regarding respect, consent, and relationships. Filled with knowledge, examples, interactive exercises, and links to web-based resources, this book will be useful to anyone seeking guidance in developing healthy relationships, parents wishing to address more than the physical element of the 'birds and the bees,' and educators wanting to reduce rates of sexual violence."--Eric S. Davidson, PhD, MCHES, CSPS, Director of Illinois Higher Education Center for Alcohol, Other Drug, and Violence Prevention "'Can I Kiss You?' elevates our relationships to a higher moral personal value code."--Jessica Pettitt, Diversity Educator & Author "'Can I Kiss You?' is a 'must read' for parents, students, and educators. Mike Domitrz breaks through the confusion of body language and assumptions to provide every student with clear, specific skill sets for building healthy, respectful, and wonderful relationships."--Ida Echevarria NYC Board of Education, Retired Director of Testing and Assistant Superintendent "Mike Domitrz has provided a terrific resource for anyone who wants to think more deeply about the issues of respect, consent, sexual assault, and anti-violence activism. 'Can I Kiss You?' covers all the territory in language accessible to students, parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to be a part of the solution when it comes to contributing to an atmosphere of respect and inclusion."--Christopher Kilmartin, Ph.D., Professor of Psychological Science, University of Mary Washington "'Can I Kiss You?' breaks new ground by sensitively examining every aspect of physical intimacy from 'The Look' to 'The Morning After.' With gentle humor and a deft hand, Mike Domitrz gracefully walks us through the newest issues in this age-old topic. Without condescension or judgment, Mike gives our children the tools they need to grow up sensible, strong, and healthy and with a better appreciation of what makes them--and their partner--comfortable, happy, and content."--David Altshuler, M.S. and Author of "Love the Kid You Get, Get the Kid You Love" "'Can I Kiss You?' shifts the focus of our conversation about consent away from what is or is not legal behavior. At its root, the act of asking to be intimate is about respect--respect for self and for others. Rather than wonder, 'Do I have to ask?' readers recognize their desire to ask and be asked, and anything less is now disrespectful. This book is a primer for building the confidence and skills needed to have healthy relationships."--Jackie Deitch-Stackhouse, Director for the Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources, and Education (SHARE) Office at Princeton University "Confusion and disregard as it pertains to personal boundaries borders on an epidemic. This is why 'Can I Kiss You?' should be required reading for anyone 9-90."--Robert Siciliano, Safety Expert and CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com "While this book is little and geared to all ages, the cultural paradigm shift Mike suggests is profound. If our current cultural glamorizing of Game/Boss/Baller could shift to one of demonstrating confidence and respect through asking permission--even for a kiss, our world would be a much safer place. This book is a fantastic conversation starter and can be considered useful in forums ranging from classrooms to bedrooms."--Yvette Currie, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Deployed Resiliency Counselor "'Can I Kiss You?' is direct, easy to understand, full of great insights, and a guide for why and how to ask. I am putting this book on the 'must read' list for both parents and students for our middle schools and high schools to help them better understand the dynamics of relationships."--Margo Chevers, Coordinator, Tri-Town Domestic Violence Task Force "'Can I Kiss You?' is filled with lesson plans and creative approaches to consent education. I can't imagine doing a consent presentation without using something I've read in this book!"--Kristen Altenau Keen, Sexual Violence Prevention Education Coordinator, University of Dayton "'Can I Kiss You?' will provide hours of great conversation about sexual assault and how we can have a positive impact on stemming the ever-growing tide of new victims and offenders."--Tim Meacham, University of Richmond Police Office and Educator of Sexual Assault Awareness "This amazing book bravely and courageously goes where no book has gone before. It provokes ideas and discussions about relationships and intimacy that are so compelling it should be required reading in every classroom in the country. Highly interactive, parents, educators, and students  will  find insight, inspiration, and encouragement on every page. As a mother of four grown daughters, I only wish I had read this book sooner."--Stacy Allegro, Mom and Author "Mike's message is so powerful for anyone at any age wanting to explore how to communicate with respect while dating or being intimate with others. 'Can I Kiss You?' is more than a book about sexual assault awareness; it's an empowering personal development book that will change your life."--Berni Xiong, Intuitive Branding Coach and Reiki Master "'Can I Kiss You?' is a wonderful tool for pre-teens to adults. It is such an easy read and brings a different light to healthy relationships to include consent, respect, and intervention techniques. I use it for myself, my children, and in prevention training as an educator and victim's advocate."--Ms. Jamie Cram, Mom, Educator, and Victim Advocate "'Can I Kiss You?' is filled with examples and practical activities to help you have the often unconquerable conversations about kissing, sex, and more--before things get out of control. A must read book for everyone, all genders and sexual orientations, who want to make sure the relations they have are truly consensual."--Phil Gerbyshak, Speaker and Author of "10 Ways to Make It Great" "This book is about reducing sexual assault, but also about building healthy and fulfilling relationships, learning and practicing effective communication skills, building self-respect, and creating a better world. Domitrz skillfully incorporates the most recent research and thinking in gender and sexuality into a text that is accessible, practical, and effective."--Tal Peretz, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Women's Studies, Auburn University "As someone who's been working with feminist collectives and women's support groups in a country torn by sexist traditions, I found 'Can I Kiss You?' to be a source of useful information and strategies to deal with abusive relationships and sexual assault. It is a required read for anyone interested in building a safer, more equal, and respectful world."--Henrique Marques Samyn, Professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Brazil "Michael Domitrz hits the mark with this book! As a parent, physician, and educator for over thirty years, I have seen how communication can change our lives. Michael's insight and expertise on this topic is second to none!"--Dr. Rick Goodman, CSP "'Can I Kiss You?' is a great primer on consent in dating and intimate relationships. Mike has an ability to explain things in simple and accessible ways that are also powerful and memorable. He not only describes ways of communicating and interacting, but he also points out the absurdity of not doing so. This great resource is inclusive of all kinds of relationships for those wanting to learn about consent and those who want to teach others about it--including parents and educators of all kinds."--Keith E. Edwards, PhD, Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Consultant on College Men, Sexual Assault Prevention, and Social Justice Education "Don't let the title fool you. 'Can I Kiss You?' is more than a guidebook on how to navigate dating and sex for youth. It shows readers of all ages how to navigate healthy boundaries in long-term relationships as well as practical tips on effective"'Can I Kiss You?' is an insightful breakdown of the often complex issues relating to relationships. It offers examples to overcome both misunderstandings and even blatant manipulation in dating. As a former investigator, assigned to a police Sensitive Crimes Unit, I have a special appreciation and respect for all aspects of Mike's mission, which begins with the pertinent information contained in this most important book."--Detective Rick Haines (Ret), Sensitive Crimes Unit, Waukesha Police Department "'Can I Kiss You?' is an insightful breakdown of the often complex issues relating to relationships. It offers examples to overcome both misunderstandings and even blatant manipulation in dating. As a former investigator, assigned to a police Sensitive Crimes Unit, I have a special appreciation and respect for all aspects of Mike's mission, which begins with the pertinent information contained in this most important book."--Detective Rick Haines (Ret), Sensitive Crimes Unit, Waukesha Police Department "

About this edition

• Publisher: DATE SAFE Project, The
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0997286601
• ISBN 13: 9780997286601
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160