Knowing how to protect yourself--and joining with your neighbors to make your streets safer-can reduce the opportunity for muggers, purse snatchers and other street criminals to strike.
3 Basic Rules:
Do stay alert.
Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you.
Don't get distracted.
Do walk purposefully, stand tall and make quick eye contact with people around you.
Do trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.
When Walking:
Plan the safest route. Choose well-lit busy streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys and construction sites.
Know your area-police and fire stations, and what establishments are open late.
Make sure you know where your children are going when they go out. Show them safe places in the neighborhood.
Carry your purse close to your body. Carry your wallet inside your coat rather than in a rear trouser pocket.
Don't flaunt expensive jewelry or flash cash.
Don't overburden yourself with large packages or groceries that make it hard to react.
If you suspect you're being followed on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest will-lighted , populated area.
If you're being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license number.
Public Transportation:
Try to use well-lighted and frequently used stops.
Try to sit near the driver or conductor.
Avoid sitting near exits as an attacker can reach in and grab a purse or jewelry as the bus or subway pulls away.
Be alert to who gets off the bus or subway with you.
If you feel uncomfortable, walk directly to a place where there are other people.
In Elevators:
Look in the elevator before getting in.
Stand near the controls.
Get off if someone suspicious enters.
If you're worried about someone who is waiting for the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don't get on.
If you're attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.
Outdoor Activities:
One in four women in America is faced with a sexual assault situation at some time in her life.
Knowing the facts about sexual assault can help you prevent it.
Rape is an act of violence, not sexual passion.
In over half of reported rapes, the victims know their attackers, and approximately one-third are attacked in their own homes.
Police believe that rapist tend to prey on women who look frightened, are easily intimidated or who seem to be day-dreaming. Reduce
The Risk Of Rape At Home:
Make sure all windows and doors in your home lock securely, and keep them locked whether you're at home or away.
Install a peephole in the door and use it.
Verify the identity and legitimacy of any sales or service person before letting him in.
Never let a stranger into your home while you're alone-no matter what the reason.
Never give the impression that you are home alone if strangers call or come to the door.
If you live alone, use only your initials and last name on mail boxes or directories.
If you live in an apartment, avoid being in the garage or laundry room by yourself, especially at night.
If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don't go in. Call the police.
While Walking:
Be alert to the people around you.
Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
Walk confidently at a steady pace, facing traffic.
Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys.
Don't walk alone at night. Always avoid areas with few people.
Be careful when people stop you for directions. Reply from a distance, and don't get too close to the car.
While Driving:
Keep your car in good condition, and the gas tank at least half full.
Park in well-lighted areas and lock your doors, no matter how long you'll be gone.
Check front and rear seats and floorboards before entering your car.
Drive with all doors locked and windows rolled up. Never pick up hitchhikers.
If your car breaks down, put the hood up, lock the doors and turn on the flashers. If someone stops to help, roll down the window slightly and ask them to call the police or a tow truck.
Avoid underground and enclosed parking garages if possible.
If you're being followed, don't drive home. Go instead to the nearest police station, or an open service station or business where you can call the police. Don't leave your car unless you are certain you can get inside safely.
If You're Attacked:
Keep your head. Stay as calm as possible and evaluate your options and resources.
It may be more advisable to submit than to resist and risk severe injury or death. You will have to make this decision based on the circumstances. But don't resist if the attacker has a weapon.
Keep assessing the situation as it is happening. If one strategy doesn't work, try another. Possible options include negotiating, stalling for time, distracting the assailant and fleeing to a safe place, verbal assertiveness, screaming, and physical resistance.
You may be able to turn the attacker off with bizarre behavior such as throwing up, acting crazy or picking your nose.
After an Assault or Rape:
Go to a safe place and call the police. The sooner you report the crime, the greater the chances your attacker will be caught.
Do not shower, bathe, douche or destroy any clothing you were wearing.
Do not disturb any physical evidence.
Go to a hospital emergency room for medical care.
Call someone to be with you. You should not be alone.
Contact a rape treatment or crisis center to help you deal with the consequences of the assault. |
