Some 1.9 million women are physically attacked yearly 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 carried out by the Justice Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And professionals state that because the bulk of sexual assaults go unreported, the numbers from these researches might stand for just a fraction of the real number of criminal offenses versus women.
However while these numbers might appear frighteningly high, security authorities are fast to point out that women need not view themselves as helpless victims. We asked criminal offense and security experts the most efficient preventative measures a lady can take when walking alone to keep herself from becoming a statistic:
Blockages, high heels, and tight skirts are tough to run and fight in, while scarves and long pendants are easy to get tangled in. If possible, modify your fashion style or wear comfy garments when walking alone. You can constantly change into dress-up clothes later on. Or, think with how you would fight in your dress-up garments. Would you kick off your high heels or hike your skirt up around your hips to run or kick?
Make Eye Contact. It may be your first impulse to lower your stare as you walk to your location. But looking straight into the face of potential enemies is the much better option. “Eye contact could frighten off assaulters because they fear you will have the ability to identify them,” says Mary Ellen Burns, a speaker for the Boston Police Department.
Keep Ears and eyes Open, Hands Free. It is essential to be alert to who and what is around you. Chatting on a cell phone or hearing headphones makes you simple prey for a predator. The only reason you may want to be utilizing your mobile phone is notify a pal of your location or to call for aid. Limit the number of packages you have to hold by using a knapsack or bag with a shoulder band. This will make sure that your hands are free to defend.
Take the Elevator Over the Stairs. And when in the elevator, stand in front of the doors, then if somebody you feel uneasy about gets on with you, you can step off right away.
Battle Your Inner Woman. Specialists say that women have the tendency to be sympathetic– do not be! History has actually shown that criminals often use the sympathies of unsuspecting women to tempt them into hazardous circumstances. Be as well-mannered as possible but keep moving if somebody asks for the time, directions, or help in or around their car. You can always aid the complete stranger by making a phone call to police from a safe location, or by finding others to return and assist with you.
Frequently change your walking routine. Plan out a couple of various courses that you can mark and take out “safe houses” in your mind at intervals along the method.
If a male in a vehicle is sitting alone near your car, or if you are parked next to a van, enter your automobile from the side opposite the strange automobile. If the parking lot is especially dark or deserted, it could be smart to go back and get a friend or guard who can walk you to your car.
WHEN IT ‘S TOO LATE.
The most crucial thing is to react immediately if you have actually gotten yourself into a violent circumstance.
If you are mentally prepared for a violent confrontation, you are more likely to win. Decide now that you will NEVER, EVER give up if forced into a fight. You don’t have to be physically stronger to win, just better prepared. Consider carrying self defense tools every day like a personal alarm, mace, or even a stun gun. In states where you can legally do so, you may even want to consider carrying a firearm. (But ONLY if you are willing to practice with it and get the training you need to fight with it.)
Run, Run, Run. Experts say that a predator with a gun will strike a running target only 4 out of every 100 shots.
Do not an attacker take you to an abandoned location. If he does, the possibility that you will be seriously hurt increases tenfold, says Burns.
Strike the Attacker Where It Counts. The eyes, knees, throat and groin are very prone, good locations to kick and gouge. Follow your instincts and try to determine if a counter attack by you is the best approach. If you do decide to fight, ensure your first move is as forceful as possible. It could be your only hope.
Attempt Anything and Everything. Extra strategies are offering your wallet, jumping out at a stoplight, doing something to cause an accident, or signaling various other motorists. If you are tossed into the trunk of a vehicle, experts advise you to pull the back tail lights, stick your arm out the hole, and begin waving wildly. The motorist won’t see you however everybody else will. This trick is shown to have saved lives.