Some of these tips are just common sense, but they bear repeating. They primarily cover your first few dates with someone as this is when we get an idea of who a person truly is. By making sure you don't place yourself in unsafe situations, you decrease the possibility of something bad happening.
It's important to point out that most men are safe, honorable gentlemen. It is not these types to be wary of, but the few predatory ones out there who should never be given a chance to succeed.
Don't Judge a Book by its Cover
This is not to say that you can't trust anyone, rather that you shouldn't trust someone just because they look safe. This is particularly true of strangers. Often we date strangers as a way of getting to know them. The time to make your judgement on the safety factor of that individual is after you've gotten to know them better. There is no such thing as a person that looks safe enough to disregard your common sense.
Introductions or Opinions of Friends
If you are introduced by a friend, or know a mutual friend who's opinion you can solicit, you have a greater safety factor on your side. This is not to say you disregard common sense. You should never do that. But at least you have a better idea of the person you are about to go out with.
Meet in a Public Place
This allows you to first experience your date in a relatively safe place. By meeting there, you both have separate transportation and can leave immediately at any sign of trouble. Getting together for coffee is a nice casual way to get to know someone. Make it in a public place with other activities in the immediate vicinity so that if they seem interesting you can propose extending your time together. If the location you plan has inconvenient or unsafe parking structures, pick another or spend a few more bucks to valet park. Remember, safety is the primary concern.
Listen For Any Hint of an Abusive Personality
Do they talk about previous relationships where they "smacked" around their mate for this or that? Do they tell stories of current friends who've done that? Do they make comments involving physical violence in a matter of fact way when discussing normal topics? Watch for signs of this very unhealthy, but more and more common place personality flaw? You don't need to over analyze, but just listen for trouble spots. Even if you find yourself in a relationship, if you ever fear for your safety, chances are EXTREMELY HIGH that you should get the heck out of there. This mental flaw can be hidden intentionally by your mate until you are more deeply involved with them. Physically abusive people are more likely to be male, but there are also women who think nothing of throwing objects, scratching faces, slapping and hitting the man they are involved with. This doesn't show passion, it shows illness, and they, as well as a man with that problem, should also seek help immediately.
Be Wary of Drinking Too Much
There are some dishonorable men who would think nothing of forcing themselves on you in this weakened state. Alcohol is a depressant and lowers inhibitions, but more importantly it can leave you in a state where you aren't in control of what happens or where you're taken to. Drinking to excess is always a bad idea on a first date. As of late there is an alarming trend of drinks being spiked by a drugged nick-named "ruffies." The drug essentially makes you appear quite drunk and makes you pass out. Suddenly you have no control. In most cases the reason for the drugging is rape. It has nothing to do with sex as there is no consent asked for, and intercourse with an unconscious, non-consenting woman is an act of violence. It is a wise idea to hold your drink close, and get a new one if you've been away from your table.
Trust your instincts
Women have very good intuitive powers. Use yours to keep yourself out of dangerous situations. If a situation or plan doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to rock the boat with your date. Suggest something else or come up with a plausible excuse to change the plans. Honorable men don't always see the threat that women have in their lives so sometimes you have to take control in these matters. Men, after all, are used to living in a world where they are the largest beings, often times twice the weight of their female counterparts. A good man won't see himself as a possible threat to you as he knows in his heart that he's not. That's why it is often up to the woman to make sure common sense rules the day.
