Your gut exists for a reason. When something doesn't feel right on a date, your body is giving you information your mind hasn't processed yet. That feeling in your stomach, the tension in your shoulders, that little voice saying "something's off", don't ignore it. Ever.
This article isn't meant to cause panic. It's meant to give you a clear action plan you can follow if you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe during a date. Read it now, while you're calm, so you have it ready when you need it.
Step 1: Recognize the signal
Warning signs during a date can be subtle. It's not always a dramatic moment, sometimes it's an accumulation of small things that make you feel uncomfortable.
Pay attention if:
- Your date insists on changing locations to somewhere more private or remote.
- They get aggressive or controlling when you try to leave.
- You feel dizzy, confused, or "weird" after having a drink (possible drugging).
- You notice people who seem to be coordinating with your date.
- Your date insistently offers to prepare or bring you a drink.
- The venue isn't what you expected: it's empty, dark, or far from where you agreed.
Signs of scopolamine drugging: blurred vision, sudden disorientation, extreme docility, loss of willpower, difficulty speaking. These symptoms appear within 10-20 minutes of ingestion. If you feel any of these, act IMMEDIATELY.
Step 2: Don't ask permission to leave
This is the most common and most dangerous mistake: feeling like you need a "good excuse" to leave. You don't need to justify yourself. You don't need to be polite. You don't need to worry about what the other person thinks. Your safety is more important than social discomfort.
- Get up and go to the restroom. From there, call a friend, order a ride, or contact the venue staff.
- If you're at a restaurant or bar, speak with a waiter or security guard. Many establishments in Bogotá are trained to help in these situations.
- Order an Uber or InDriver from the restroom. Share the live trip with your emergency contact.
- If you can't reach the restroom, simply standing up and saying "I have to go" is enough. You don't owe an explanation.
Step 3: Activate your safety net
If you prepared for your date properly, you already have an emergency contact who knows where you are. If you didn't, now is the time to reach out to someone.
Immediate options:
- Call your emergency contact and share your exact location.
- If you use Veraz, hit the SOS button, your contacts will receive your live location instantly.
- Send your live location via WhatsApp to a family member or friend.
- If you're in a mall or commercial area, approach security.
Step 4: If you were drugged
If you suspect you've been drugged, every second counts. Scopolamine and GHB act fast and can leave you completely vulnerable in minutes.
- If you can still move, leave the venue immediately. Go to any public space with people.
- Ask a stranger for help if necessary: a restaurant, a store, a taxi.
- Call 123 (Colombia emergency line) or ask someone to do it for you.
- If you can, activate your safety app's SOS to share your location.
- Go to the nearest hospital or medical center. In Bogotá: any hospital in the district network will treat you.
- Don't wash yourself, don't change clothes, don't shower. This preserves evidence in case of a crime.
Step 5: After the incident
If you managed to get out of a risky situation, your immediate priority is your physical and emotional well-being. But there are also important steps to protect other people.
- Report the profile on the dating app immediately.
- If a crime occurred, file a report with the Attorney General (line 122) or the nearest URI.
- Save screenshots of all conversations.
- Seek emotional support: Line 106 (crisis hotline) is available 24/7.
- Consider sharing your experience (anonymously if you want) to alert others.
I felt stupid for falling for it. But my therapist told me something I'll never forget: you weren't stupid, you were the victim of someone who does this professionally. The only thing you can control is how you prepare next time.
Valentina, 26, Bogotá
Date safety shouldn't be something we have to think about, but the reality in Colombia and Latin America makes it necessary. The good news is there are more tools than ever, like Veraz, designed from the ground up to protect you. Use what's available, trust your instincts, and never apologize for looking out for yourself.