TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault.

Dating a man facing allegations of sexual assault by his ex-girlfriend, choosing your baby's surname when you don't agree with taking your partner's second name & whether it's your responsibility to talk to a friend who's been drawn into the world of men's rights activism.

This week, in the Dear Clementine inbox: 
- I am in the early dating stage with a man who has told me his ex-girlfriend has lodged a police report against him for sexual assault and physical assault within their relationship, which he says is untrue. I am struggling as I know I can never really know the truth, and I don’t want to be someone who lets their romantic feelings for someone cloud their judgment. How can I navigate such a serious, heavy situation, while keeping myself safe? 

- My male friend of 6 years is slowly delving into the world of “men's rights activism” and what I call the “Jordan Peterson” rabbit hole.  Over the last 6 months or so our conversations have increasingly turned in to frequent “debates” on quite misogynistic views. Is it my responsibility as his friend & as a woman to call this out? Or is better to distance myself and hope he sees the light? 
 
- I have both my parents last names. How does the next generation manage this? Taking my boyfriend’s name is weird and not an option for me. Options and ideas on how people navigate these things as modern people would be appreciated.

LINKS
- NSW women and men will be able to check partner's violence history online with disclosure scheme
- That's Helpful Podcast - How to spot a psychopath

If you have a question for Clementine, send an email to [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.