Common sense can save your life!
The following is a list of just a few things women can do to reduce the risk of attack.
One of the
most common places women are attacked is in parking lots. To reduce the risk of this type of attack, be aware of your surroundings,
look for any possible threat. A van parked next to your car, a man setting alone in a car parked nearby, etc.
While walking to your
car, be sure to hold your purse securely.
A woman holding her purse loosely makes a good target for the purse snatchers.
It also signals
to attackers that you cannot get to a concealed weapon or mace quickly.
Walk with confidence.
Have your keys in your hand, keys can
be used as a weapon if necessary. Make eye contact with anyone approaching. Avoid looking down or looking into your purse. Avoid talking
on your cell while walking to your car, this tells a would be attacker that you are distracted. I know a lot of women feel safe if
they are on the phone, but trust me, a predator will not care if you are on the phone. Remember body language is very important. Be
confident, walk with purpose.
Before you get into your car, look inside. Once in the car, lock the door, start the car and drive away. Don’t look over your check book, look for your cell, or perform any other task that can wait until later. For a predator, a woman setting alone in her car is a very tempting target. If she is distracted as well, she may become his next victim.
Areas often over
looked as hazardous areas are:
Laundry mats - A surprising number of women will go late at night and alone, to these places. Their
reasoning is often that is when they are quieter, cooler or even just a time to escape from the kids at home. These places are becoming
more automated. No employee or security is on the premises.
Public restrooms – It is a common misconception that men are the only
ones to sexually assault, rob, or commit murder. This is false. Not only do women do these things, they often work as a decoy for
a male in hiding.
Paneled van – The old fashioned, high walled vans are dangerous. It only takes a split second for an assailant to
open the cargo door and pull someone in. Be cautious anytime one is parked next to your vehicle.
High vehicles - A common ploy is
for an assailant to lie beneath one of these and wait for a victim to stand still while opening their car door. At this time a knife
is used to cut the tendons and in the area behind the ankles causing the victim to drop to the ground and be unable to regain their
feet to run. It might feel silly to check under the car next to yours but silly beats dead any day.
Signs of entry - When it is obvious
that there has been someone in your home, or office, STOP! TURN AROUND! LEAVE! Call from somewhere else. Curiosity may have killed
the cat; the satisfaction of finding an assailant inside will not bring you back.
Routines - Try not to set them. It is very easy
to get into this typical routine. Take the kids to school by 8 AM and drop by the post office by 8:15 Stop by the nursing home to
see grandma at 9 and then come home to feed and take care of animals. These routines are very easy for an assailant to observe and
anticipate.
In Houston, Texas a few years ago, there was a rash of assaults against elderly women who had set routines. These women
would go on their daily rounds only to come home and find a man in their home who then proceeded to beat and rape them. Find and take
alternate routes to work. This may even come in handy in case of storm or flood!
Children and car seats - Check out your surroundings
before reaching inside with your child. Imagine for a moment how vulnerable a person is when their hands are full of baby with three
quarters of the body, leaned over and restricted inside the car.
Office/home - NEVER admit to being the only one in. Think how alone
the phrase, "I'm sorry, they won't be back until 2:30" sounds. If your office isn’t equipped with an alarm or even simple pepper spray,
speak to your employer. Remember, there is nothing in the office that is worth losing your life over. If it is a robbery, give them
the money and send them on their way. If the assailant is interested in more than robbery, keep your head and look for possible weapons
around you. Things such as pencils, scissors, telephones, potted plants, and anything else you can get a hold of.
Joggers are great
at setting routines. They also enjoy the cooler evening and night temperatures. Add to that, headphones and music that dulls the senses.
Whenever possible, take the dog, recruit a friend or put a leash on the spouse and drag them off the couch. Don’t go jogging alone
in secluded areas. When you do go, try to keep one of the personal alarms with you. Even things like a rolled up newspaper, can make
an effective weapon.
Sixth sense - LISTEN TO THIS! If there is a nagging thought of not entering a house, garage, or building, don't
do it. If something tells you to look around, walk faster or even run, then listen to it. There is usually a reason. Is it not better
for strangers to wonder if you’re "odd" than to end up in a ditch?