| Avoiding the very situations that make things | | | | backseat for stowaways before unlocking the door. |
| dangerous for you is the first step in self-defense | | | | Never pull the car over for any reason if someone |
| once you leave your home. While something could | | | | you not know drives along side you pointing to a |
| happen to you in your own house, the odds are | | | | potential "trouble" spot on your car like a low or flat |
| highly more likely that if you were attacked, it would | | | | tyre. Continue on until you can get to a well-lit public |
| be away from home while you are out and about. | | | | place. Ask for an escort to your car as attackers are |
| While you do not have to be 100% on guard every | | | | less likely to approach anyone with company. Also, |
| time you walk away from home, you should know | | | | do not get into your car if approached by an |
| enough to be not only self-aware but also aware of | | | | attacker. Instead run away because if you are |
| what is going on in your surroundings. Taking a | | | | caught inside the vehicle, your chances of escape and |
| proactive approach to your own safety can go a | | | | injury are virtually zero. |
| long way in preventing attacks or harassment. | | | | Think about the clothing you wear when you are out |
| There are a few general ideas you can employ that | | | | and about, whether it is to the grocery store, work |
| will greatly lessen your chances of a harmful | | | | or a nightclub. You want to be sure that if you are |
| confrontation with a criminal. For instance, walk with | | | | walking or plan to be in an area where there is |
| your head held high to present a front of | | | | potential for harm to wear clothing that is not |
| self-confidence and assurance. Criminals would rather | | | | restricting. Being able to run away without tripping on |
| prey on someone more timid and mousy who are | | | | four inch heels or getting tangled in your own billowy |
| less likely to put up a fight. You should also be aware | | | | clothing or constricted by too tight clothing is |
| to keep the expensive jewellery at home as well as | | | | essential to escaping potential attackers. If you |
| the revealing clothing as they just beg for a criminal | | | | wanted to dress up for a certain occasion and you |
| approaching you. While the purpose is not to live in | | | | know you will be restricted in movement, a great |
| fear of potential attacks, you should always do | | | | idea might be to go as part of a larger group. This will |
| everything in your own power to avoid confrontation. | | | | help to ensure you are in company thus making you |
| Avoid public transportation like the bus, subway or | | | | less vulnerable to attack. |
| cab when the area is deserted after-hours. You want | | | | During your exercise regiment outdoors, you have to |
| to keep people around you to prevent yourself from | | | | maintain vigilance to avoid injury and attacks. For |
| being isolated and attacked. If taking it is necessary, | | | | instance, all too often women will put on their |
| wait in a well-lit populated place like a diner or coffee | | | | headphones to walk or run outdoors but the problem |
| shop. Always choose an aisle seat close to an exit so | | | | is the music from the headphones can block sounds |
| you are not blocked in and can make a clean | | | | like approaching footsteps or other people moving |
| getaway if the need be. While public transport can | | | | fast in your direction. Let the sounds of nature be |
| provide a great service to the community, it is not | | | | your exercise companion or at least just tune in to |
| always the safest place to be and one should always | | | | the music with one ear instead of two. Stalkers like |
| be aware of the nearest exit point and locations of | | | | creatures of habit so you will want to change your |
| any security guards on duty. | | | | outdoor routine several times a week so that a |
| Your car has the potential as a criminal hotspot so | | | | potential attacker cannot get a handle on your |
| you should take steps to avoid any attacks or | | | | activities. |
| problems in this area. For instance, do not exit of try | | | | There are always going to be dangers lurking behind |
| to get to your car when it is in an isolated area as | | | | every corner on the street, sidewalk, parking lot, |
| you do not know who is hiding nearby waiting to | | | | jogging path and parking garage. It is up to you to |
| attack. Always lock your car, regardless of the | | | | anticipate these dangers and take appropriate actions |
| errand you are running and always check the | | | | to prevent or combat a dangerous situation. |