Violence Awareness, Prevention, and Self Defense – Part 2

If you have read our previous article on this topic, you know how common it is for women to be assaulted or raped by their friends, associates, even their lover or their spouse. Those cases of assault are often unforeseen and self defense techniques are necessary. However, women can also be very vulnerable to assault by strangers, and this can largely be prevented by understanding high risk situations, making the right choices, and sometimes following your gut instinct when something doesn’t feel right!

Women can indeed have uncanny intuition and instincts at times and listening to it can pay off in dangerous situations. Think about it… How many times has it crossed your mind “If only I had listened to my gut”? I’m sure we can all recall at least a few incidents in the course of our lives where we have done something, against our better judgment and instinct, and later said that very thing. If something suddenly tells you to look around, walk faster, or run, you need to listen to it! The worst thing that can happen in this situation is that you might look very odd to strangers, but it could very well save your life. If you have an instinct not to enter a building, leave a building, round a corner, follow that intuition!

There are countless safety tips to help women understand high-risk situations and prevent unnecessary vulnerability; I’ll try to sum up as many as I can:

-          Always be aware of your surroundings. It may look strange to be constantly glancing in all directions, but paying attention to your immediate environment is of the utmost importance. Try to look at people’s faces whenever possible, rather than their clothes. Possible attackers may also be deterred from approaching someone who appears aware of what’s going on, they want to catch someone off-guard.

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-          Routines are a stalker’s best friend. Try to change yours whenever possible, it will make it harder for a possible attacker to predict where you are going to be at any time.

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-          Don’t assume you will be safe in public places. Laundromats, bus stops, parking lots, even public restrooms can be targeted by attackers as places to find vulnerable victims. Go during busier hours when there are more people around even if it’s uncomfortable or crowded. Choose a more populated bus stop whenever possible. If you must go to the store at night when the parking lot is dark and empty, don’t be afraid to ask an employee to escort you to your car.

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-          While driving, always lock your doors. Never pull over if someone in another car comes along-side you and tries to signal to you, wait until the nearest populated place, like a gas station or rest area, if you want to check your car. Try to park near an entrance or exit in a parking garage or parking lot. Always let friends and family know where you are going and the route you are taking to get there. Never EVER pick up a hitch-hiker or stop to help someone who seems to have car trouble, just call the police to assist them. If you suspect you’re being followed, do NOT drive to your home or stop in a desolate area, call the police or drive to the closest police station.

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-          When jogging or walking, try to stay in bright and open areas. Avoid passing too close to big bushes, dark doorways, alleys, vans or high vehicles. Don’t wear headphones. Try to take someone with you whenever possible, find a jogging partner, and walk to and from your car with co-workers. Vary your routines. If you think someone is following you, look at them and do it often, show them that you are aware.

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-          Before getting into your car, look inside and look under your car and the ones parked next to yours before you approach. Have your keys ready before you get to your vehicle or your home. Before getting out of your vehicle, and before getting a child out of the back seat, look around, note anyone nearby and make sure you are safe. You are especially vulnerable while leaning into the back of your car and when your hands are full. If there are signs of entry when you get home, do NOT go inside.

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-          While “out on the town,” attach yourself to friends, agree to watch over each other. Never leave your drink unattended, attackers can easily get their hands on a date rape drug. Don’t get intoxicated. Have fun, but keep a clear head. Never leave with a stranger, or even a drunk male acquaintance. Ask your friends if you can leave together, or if you must leave alone ask an employee to walk you out (like a bouncer).

Your brain is an attacker’s worst enemy. Be smart. Be informed. Be confident. Be careful. Be prepared. And be ready to defend yourself!