Project confidence--do not appear timid or fearful.
Sometimes a woman's greatest strength is also her weakness. Her nurturing nature--sympathetic, trusting, polite and kind--can lead to victimization. Criminals know this and they use tricks to win a woman's trust and play on her sympathies. Serial killer,Ted Bundy, feigned a limp and asked women to help him into his car. Then he pulled them in. Forget about manners; you do not have to be helpful or polite. You must be wary, prepared, defensive and,even combative if necessary. This may not seem terribly ladylike, but it might just save your life.
Instructions
1. Walk purposely and project confidence. Do not appear timid or fearful. Make eye contact. Do not preoccupy yourself with cell phones and iPods. Be alert and aware. Criminals look for vulnerable targets.
2. Park in a lighted parking lot close to the door. Don't jog or walk after dark if you are alone. Try to avoid gas stations, convenience stores and ATMs at night. According to the Mesa, Arizona Police Department, "Most rapes occur outside, on the street, in a park, playground or schoolyard." They caution you to be alert to your surroundings and the people around you when you're outside...particularly if you're alone or if it's dark.
3. Carry a weapon. It does not have to be lethal, just effective. Keep your hand on it in your purse or pocket when you are walking by yourself. A personal alarm attracts attention, which is the last thing a criminal wants. The alarm is a battery powered, loud siren which can be as powerful as 150 decimals. If that does not make an assailant run, a blast of pepper spray or mace in his face will give you a chance to escape.
4. Tell a person who is violating your personal space to "Back Off". If he ignores your warning and you instinctively sense danger, use your pepper spray or mace to stop him. An attack can occur rapidly, and you must respond just as fast.
5. Take your keys out of your purse before you head to the parking lot. When you get into your car, immediately lock your doors. Do not answer your phone, check your grocery list, dig through your purse, look in the mirror, change the radio station or put on your seatbelt before locking the doors. Someone could be watching you and would have plenty of time to get into the passenger seat while you are distracted.
6. Drive away with a watchful eye. If you think someone is following you, do not lead him to your house. Drive to a crowded establishment or to the police station and honk your horn.
7. Practice purposeful walking, carrying your weapons and locking your car doors immediately so these things become second nature to you. Most assaults are surprise attacks because victims do not perceive the risks around them. The difference between thwarting an assailant and being attacked depends on attitude, preparedness and awareness.
Tags: your purse, appear timid, appear timid fearful, pepper spray, pepper spray mace, spray mace, timid fearful
