By Gregory Colvin
Sexual assault prevention begins with being aware of your surroundings. In earlier articles I discussed observation and curiosity as safety tips. Both observation and curiosity are relevant in the avoidance of a violent sexual attack. Just because it hasn’t happened to you before and you are in familiar surroundings, it does not mean it cannot happen at any time.
Statistics from RAINN, the Rape Abuse & Incest Network, state that every 2 minutes in the US a sexual assault occurs. There are 213,000 victims each year. And of these 213,000 cases, 60% are not reported to the police.
More statistics, 44% of the victims are under age 15 and 80% are under the age of 30.
While many of the assailants are known to the victim, however, the most violent attackers are unknown to the victim. This article will hopefully provide you tips to avoid becoming a victim yourself.
Even in settlings that are familiar and you believe to be safe, stay aware of what is happening around you. See Observation and Curiosity articles. If something doesn’t feel or look right, then it is better to err on the side of safety and turn back, find an exit and seek help. Trust your inter consciousness. If something is screaming at “you get out”, then it is time to run.
When in the city, whether familiar in surroundings or strange, walk as much as possible in well lighted areas. Darkness is the assailant’s best friend. My best suggestion is to walk with a group of people. There really is safety in numbers.
When parking your vehicle, chose an area near a light post or a well lit area that will illuminate the car. As you approach, look around the vehicle. If it has been snowing, look for footprints, are there any around the car? Is there glass on the pavement? Approach the car with caution. Peek into the rear seat and check to see if anyone is hiding there. If anything appears out of the ordinary, call the police or return to the office and get security, or tell the parking toll booth attendant. Just do not get behind the wheel of the car, without someone else there to check it out with you.
When walking on the sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic. It more difficult for someone to execute a snatch and grab when you are walking facing the traffic. You are better able to monitor the traffic and notice if a vehicle slows down when approaching you. A snatch and grab usually occurs when a vehicle pulls up beside you while you are walking along the street. Walking facing traffic makes it easier to see the approaching danger.
Dark alleys are great places to ambush someone. So walk as close to the street as possible to avoid being pulled into the alley.
When walking along the city streets, wear comfortable shoes that allow you to escape if chased. It is hard to run in heels.
When approaching your car always carry your keys in your hand. Keep the ignition key between the index and middle finger. If you have a smart key (these are keys that some vehicles now that do not require a key to insert in the ignition) put a house key on the ring. This key can be used to strike the assault in the eye or throat or anywhere that you can imagine. Aggregation will sometimes take the drive out of the assailant. It can usually give you an opportunity to summon help.
Having your vehicle brake down on the roadway is a frustrating situation. And when someone stops to help, it is a welcome relief. However resist the urge to get out of your car. The best idea is to ask them to call for a wrecker or the police. Don’t leave your car and ride with them anywhere.
Never pickup hitchhikers. Never! And I repeat never! This goes for men and women. Sorry hitchhikers!
When at home alone, keep the doors and windows closed and locked. The security system should be set so that it can be monitored by the alarm company.
Never allow a stranger to know that you home alone. If someone comes to the door, shout out “I’ll get the door!” And then “How many times have I told to not to leave this loaded shotgun by the door!”
If someone comes to the door and asks to use the telephone, don’t open the door. Instead tell them that you will make the call for them and ask for the phone number, without opening the door.
Ever see those movies, you know the ones, when the female comes home and sees the front open and she gets out of the car and walks into the house to see what has happened. Don’t be that person. Quickly back the car out of the driveway and contact the police.
I feel very strongly that you must protect yourself. The police do the best they can, but they cannot be everywhere. And men, there are predators that stalk not only females, but men as well.
Remember: Your Safety Is Up To You!
Gregory Colvin is a former police officer and author who has noticed how few people observe their surroundings. He writes personal security and safety articles on the web.