In the last few weeks, we have had more revelations about people in the media who have taken advantage of people who have less power than they do. Most of us do not run in those circles, but we all have been in a position where someone older, stronger, and more powerful than we are have tried to take advantage of us. How can we do our best to prevent it?

1. Don’t Be There

When my husband and son took Aikido, the first premise they were taught is: Don’t Be There. Think about where you are going and who you are going with and if you don’t think it might be safe or if the people you are going with are questionable, don’t go with them. We can avoid a lot of problems by just not going to places we shouldn’t with people we shouldn’t be with in the first place.

2. Don’t Trust Everyone

Don’t trust people just because they are in a position that should make them trustworthy. People need to earn your trust. I don’t care if the person is a teacher, professor, priest, pastor, coach, doctor, parent or any other person that is supposed to be looking out for your good; don’t automatically trust them. People have to earn your trust.

3. Speak Up

If someone says or does something that crosses a line; speak up. People don’t have a right to disrespect us or harass us sexually. Find someone you do trust and tell them what you have experienced, even if you don’t think it is that big of a thing. People who are predators usually have a pattern of behavior, and you will not be the first to complain about the person who tried to take advantage of you.

4. Don’t Want Something So Bad You Are Willing To Compromise Yourself To Get It

If you are trying to reach a goal, get a job, promotion or any other thing, don’t cross the line of your own integrity in order to achieve it. It might look like an easy way to get the A, job or promotion, but in the end, you will be sorry you took it. Stay on course, even if it is harder to do it the right way. You will be glad you did, and will be able to look yourself in the mirror every morning.

5. Know You Are A Person Of Value

No matter who you are, what you have, where you have come from or what you have done in the past;  know you are a person of great value to the Lord. You are precious, and no one has the right to take advantage of you. 

6. Don’t Be Passive

If you are in a situation where someone is trying to take advantage of you, FIGHT.  Don’t accept what is happening to you: if you can, try to get away. NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU!!!!!