24 Hour Hotlines

814-333-9766 | 888-881-0189

Meadville

204 Spring Street

Titusville

123 N Franklin Street

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Safety Tips

Cyber/Internet Safety

  • If you suspect that your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusive people are often controlling and want to know your every move. You don’t need to be a computer programmer or have special skills to monitor someone’s computer and Internet activities – anyone can do it, and there are many ways to monitor with programs like Spyware, keystroke loggers, and hacking tools.
  • It is not possible to delete or clear all the “footprints” of your computer or online activities. If you are being monitored, it may be dangerous to change your computer behaviors such as suddenly deleting your entire Internet history if that is not your regular habit.
  • If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, be careful how you use your computer. You may want to keep using the monitored computer for innocuous activities, like looking up the weather. Use a safer computer to research an escape plan, look for new jobs or apartments, bus tickets, or ask for help.
  • Email, instant messaging (IM), and text messaging aren’t safe or confidential ways to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life. Call a hotline instead. If you use email or IM, use a safer computer or an account your abuser does not know about.
  • Computers can store a lot of private information about what you look at via the Internet, the emails and instant messages you send, Internet-based phone and IP-TTY calls you make, web-based purchases and banking, and many other activities. It is safer to use a computer in a public library or at a trusted friend’s house.
  • Never give out identifying information, such as your home address or phone number online.
  • Parents, become computer literate and learn how to block objectionable material. Make going online a family activity.  Spend time with your children while they’re on the internet. 
  • Remember that everything you read online may not be true and that people online may not be who they seem to be.
  • Remember that nothing you write on the internet is completely private, including e-mail.
  • Never open–and always delete–unknown email attachments.
  • If a meeting is arranged, have the first one in a public spot. Be sure to let someone know where and when you are meeting and with whom you are meeting.
  • Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without parental permission.

Dating Safety Tips

  • Trust your instincts.
  • Guard your identity; don’t give out personal information until you are comfortable.
  • You have the right to say no.
  • If you meet online, do not make a date until you talk on the phone first. A phone conversation may give you more opportunities to pick up clues to potential problems.
  • On a first date or blind date, drive yourself so you have the ability to leave on your own if problems arise. Also, your date will not know your home address.
  • If you don’t wish to see your date again, be honest and tell them firmly in a considerate way. 
  • Carry a cell phone.
  • Be aware of your surroundings!

Driving Safety Tips

  • Never pick up hitchhikers or hitchhike.
  • While walking to your car, look under the car and around the car.
  • Before entering your car, look into the back seat and on the floorboard.
  • Always have your keys ready to unlock the car door and enter without delay.  Have the keys in your hand before leaving the building.
  • Never walk across the parking lot digging in your purse or talking on a cell phone.
  • Travel on well-lit, busy streets, and avoid isolated back roads and shortcuts.
  • If you are being followed, drive to the nearest open business, police or fire station for help.
  • Never leave your house keys with your car keys at a service station or parking lot.
  • Never stop to aid a stranger in a stalled vehicle. Call 911 for them.
  • If you have car trouble, raise the hood, and stay in your vehicle. When someone approaches, roll the window down just enough to talk and ask to use their cell phone if you don’t have one.
  • Park in busy, well-lit areas. Make sure all the doors are locked and all valuables are out of sight.
  • If being pulled over by a policeman, stop at a well-lit area and do not roll your window down until you read their badge. If in doubt, call 911 on your cell phone and tell them your fears, or drive directly to a police station.

Safety at Home

  • Use only your first initial and last name when marking your mailbox and in the telephone book listing.
  • Install a door viewer and a one-inch deadbolt lock and use them.
  • Always replace or rekey locks when you move into a new home or apartment.
  • If a utility worker comes to the door, check ID through a peephole or window. If you’re still unsure, call the utility company.
  • Never allow a stranger into your home to use your telephone. Instead, tell them that you’ll make the phone call for them. 
  • Install a good-quality lock on your bedroom door.
  • Install a telephone in the bedroom or keep a cell phone next to your bed.
  • Show no signs of predictability by allowing certain lights to remain on in your home no matter whether you’re at home or away. 
  • Never admit that you or a neighbor are home alone.

When Walking

  • When possible, avoid walking alone. Walk with someone or walk in areas where other people are nearby.
  • Stay in well-lit areas away from alleys, bushes, and entryways.  Avoid shortcuts.
  • If a driver stops to ask you directions, avoid getting near the car; use the one-arm-length rule.
  • If you are being followed, go to the nearest business or residence for help.
  • Hold your purse close, not dangling, and avoid carrying extra money or valuables on your person.
  • When you return home, have your door key ready so that you can enter without delay.
  • Walk with confidence, keep your head up, and walk like you own the sidewalk.
  • Don’t be afraid to make eye contact: It helps you to appear self-confident.
  • Trust your instincts.
  • Carry a cell phone if possible.
  • Let a friend or family member know where you are going when you will arrive, and when you will return. 
  • If you are using headphones, keep the volume down so you can still hear what is going on around you.
  • Always know where you are and how to get back home.
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Accessibility Statement

24 Hour Hotlines

814-333-9766

888-881-0189

Contact Us

Locations

204 Spring Street
Meadville, PA 16335
Office Phone 814-724-4637

123 North Franklin Street
Titusville, PA 16354
Office Phone 814-775-0445

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Golfer Information

Individual golfer fees are $125 and cover cart and greens fees, brunch, hole prizes, snacks and beverages on the
course as well as appetizers at the awards ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Julie at
Women’s Services 814.724.4637.

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