1.9 million women are physically assaulted annually in the United States,
and 15 percent to 25 percent of all American women will report a sexual
attack or rape at some time in their lives, according to studies conducted
by the Justice Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Dress to Kill: Clogs, high heels, and tight skirts are hard to run
and fight in, while scarves and long necklaces are easy to grab. If possible,
modify your fashion style or wear comfortable clothing when walking alone.
You can always change into dress-up clothes later.
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Make Eye Contact. It may be your first instinct to lower your gaze
as you walk to your destination. But looking straight into the face of
potential enemies is the better option. "Eye contact may scare off attackers
because they fear you will be able to identify them," says Mary Ellen Burns,
a spokesperson for the Boston Police Department.
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Keep Eyes and Ears Open, Hands Free. It is important to be alert to
who and what is around you. Talking on a cell phone or listening to headphones
makes you easy prey for a predator. Also, limit the number of bundles you
have to carry by using a backpack or bag with a shoulder strap. This will
ensure that your hands are free to defend.
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Fight Your Inner Woman. Experts say that women tend to be sympathetic
don't be! History has shown that serial killers and other criminals often play
on the sympathies of unsuspecting women to lure them into dangerous situations.
If someone asks for the time, directions, or help in or around their car, be
as courteous as possible but keep moving. You can always assist the stranger
by making a phone call to police from a safe location.
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Change It Up, regularly change your walking routine. Plan out a few
different routes that you can take and mark out "safe houses" in your mind at
intervals along the way. In the event of an attack, you can stop at these shops
or homes where you know you will be safe.
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Be Paranoid and Suspicious. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
When in a parking lot, look at the cars parked on either side of your vehicle.
If a male in a vehicle is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, or if you
are parked next to a van, always enter your car from the side opposite the strange
vehicle. If the parking lot is particularly dark or deserted, it may be wise to
go back and find a friend or guard who can walk you to your car.
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When it's too late: If you have gotten yourself into a violent situation,
the most important thing is to react immediately.
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Run, Run, Run. If the predator has a gun, but you are not under his control,
take off. Experts say the predator will only hit you, a running target, four out of
every 100 shots fired. And even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ.
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Stay put, NEVER let your attacker take you to an abandoned area. If he does,
the likelihood that you will be seriously injured increases tenfold, says Burns.
You do not want to get to "crime scene number two" so do whatever it takes and never give up.
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Hit the Attacker Where It Counts. The eyes, knees, throat and groin are very
vulnerable, good places to gouge and kick. But listen to your instincts and try to
determine if a counter attack by you is the best approach. If you do decide to fight,
make sure your first move is as forceful as possible. It may be your only hope.
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Try Anything and Everything. Additional approaches are offering your wallet,
jumping out at a stoplight, doing something to cause an accident, or signaling to
other drivers. If you are thrown into the trunk of a car, experts advise you to kick
out the back tail lights, stick your arm out the hole, and start waving wildly.
The driver won't see you but everyone else will. This trick is said to have saved lives.
