You can help protect yourself from violent crime by taking self-protection measures that will reduce your risk.
- Stay Out of Isolated Areas
- Avoid little-used stairwells and parking lots
- Don't get on an empty elevator with strangers
- Trust Your Instincts
- If you sense trouble, get away as soon as possible
- Show Confidence
- Walk at a steady pace, keep your head up
- Avoid carrying lots of packages…It can make you look defenseless
- When Using Public Transportation
- Wait at busy, well-lit stops
- Sit close to the driver or conductor
- Speak loudly or yell if you feel threatened
- Use Caution on Dates
- Beware of alcohol and drugs, they affect judgement. Be aware of how much your date uses them, too
- Don't leave your drink unattended
- Don't drink anything you didn't get, open or pour yourself
- Provide your own transportation
- Avoid secluded places
- When Driving
- Park in a well-lit spot close to your destination
- When returning to your vehicle, have keys ready
- Check the backseat of your car before entering
- Keep doors locked and windows up
- Do not drive with your purse laying on the seat of the car
- Don't pick up hitchhikers
- Keep your car in good repair
- Be sure you have enough fuel for your trip
- Carry a cell phone for emergencies
- Be Safe at Home
- Keep doors and windows locked
- Use deadbolt locks on outside entrances
- Never hide keys outside your home
- Keep at least one inside light on when you're away
- Keep outside entrances well-lit
- Install a peephole in your front door and use it
- Ask for identification of any repair or delivery person before opening your door…If you are not expecting anyone, call the company to verify before opening the door
- Never let a stranger in your home, and never let him or her know if you are alone. If someone wants to use your phone, offer to make the call for them
- If you think someone is in your home, don't go in! Go to a nearby phone and call the police
- When Walking or Exercising
- Plan the safest rout before you leave
- Don't wear headphones
- Vary your jogging or biking route
- Travel with a companion, if possible
- Stand back from car when giving a driver directions
- If someone follows you, change course and head toward other people
- Don't carry a purse. This makes you a target for attack.
- Always pay attention to your surroundings
- When Responding to an Attack
- Size up the situation
- You may have several options. You may: scream for help, run away, use a whistle, as a last resort, offer resistance
- Remember your safety is what's important. Do whatever you think is best
- Whatever you choose to do, do it quickly!
- If You've Been Attacked or Raped
- Go to a safe place
- Go to the hospital. Don't shower, brush your teeth, douche or change your clothes, since any of these may destroy medical evidence
- Call the police. If you are 18 years or older, it is your choice whether or not to prosecute a rape. But remember prosecuting rape is an important part of ending violence against women.
- Remember that an attack is never your fault. Never feel guilty about how you did or did not respond
Take time out...Protect Yourself