womens selfdefense tips

Insider's Safety Tips
* Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, something is probably wrong.
* Be aware of your surroundings.
* Walk close to the curb, facing oncoming traffic.
* Carry bags close to your body.
* Look confident.
* Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
* If you are being followed, head for a crowded place.
* If people start milling around you, it could a set-up for a mugging.
* Know yourself, how do you react in a crisis situation? Do you scream, cry, freeze? How would
you defend yourself?
* Remember there is no right or wrong approach to dangerous situations.
* Show your anger, not your fear. a furious reaction often may stop an attack. Remember an
attacker is looking for an easy victim. Yelling is always a good deterrent (a good choice is to yell
FIRE) this will draw attention to those who do not want to get involved but may be concerned for
their own safety and may come to help.
* If there are other people around, yell loudly enough to get their attention to what the assailant is
doing.
* If you are alone and do not know anyone on the street or nearby, try calling a name out to make
the attacker or assailant to believe you may be with someone. This may also help if you are alone
at home.
* If someone has a weapon stay calm and wait for an opportunity. Weapons make the situation
more dangerous and difficult, but there still may be something you can do about the situation

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO PREVENT SEXUAL ASSAULT?
Always be aware of your surroundings.
Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.
Walk confidently, directly, at a steady pace. A rapist looks for someone who appears
vulnerable.

Walk on the side of the street facing traffic.

Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where rapists can hide.

If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to areas where there are people and
lights. If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction or
walk on the other side of the street.

Always lock your car. Keep your car locked when you are away from it to keep
someone from hiding and waiting inside.

When you are inside the car, lock the doors for safety.

Look inside and around your car before you get in.

Be aware of other people in parking areas, especially those close to your vehicle.

If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police station to get
help.

If your car breaks down, open the hood or attach a white cloth to the antenna. If
someone stops to help, stay inside your locked vehicle and ask them to call the
police.

Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a
distance and never get too close to the car.
If you are in trouble or feel you are in danger, don't be afraid to attract help any way
you can. Scream, yell or run away to safety.

If you choose to carry any type of weapon for self-protection, give careful
consideration to your ability and willingness to use it. Remember there is always the
chance that it could be taken away and used