1 Lack of awareness. You MUST know where you are & what's going on around
you.
2 Body Language. Keep your head up, swing your arms, stand straight
up.
3 Wrong Place, Wrong Time. Don't walk alone in an alley, or drive in a bad neighborhood at night.
4 If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick
your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
Or, look for the inside trunk release if so equipped.
6. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc.,
and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc). Don't do this. The predator will be watching you, and this is
the perfect opportunity for him to get in the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. As soon as
you get into the car, lock the doors and leave.
A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A. Be aware: look around you, look into
your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
B. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your
car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the person is
attempting to get into their car.
C. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of
your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into
the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
7. Always take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to
be alone and the perfect crime spot.)
8. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, always run. The predator
will only hit you ( a running target) 4 in 100 times. And even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ. Run.
Tips from a Self Defense Expert;
1. Awareness: Your First Line of Defence. Most people think of kicks to the groin
and blocking punches when they hear the term "self-defence." However, true self-defence begins long before any actual physical
contact. The first, and probably most important, component in self-defence is awareness: awareness of yourself, your surroundings,
and your potential attacker's likely strategies.
The criminal's primary strategy is to use the advantage of surprise. Studies have shown that criminals are adept at choosing
targets who appear to be unaware of what is going on around them. By being aware of your surroundings and by projecting a
"force presence," many altercations which are commonplace on the street can be avoided.
2. Use Your Sixth Sense. "Sixth sense." "Gut instinct." Whatever you call it, your intuition is a powerful subconscious
insight into situations and people. All of us, especially women, have this gift, but very few of us pay attention to it. Learn
to trust this power and use it to your full advantage. Avoid a person or a situation which does not "feel" safe--you're probably
right.
3. Self-Defence Training. It is important to evaluate the goals and practical usefulness of a women's self-defence
program before signing up. Here are two tips:
a) Avoid martial arts studios unless you specifically wish to train in the traditional martial arts techniques and are
prepared for a long-term commitment. Many women's self-defence programs teach watered-down martial arts techniques that are
complex and unrealistic under the stress of an actual attack;
b) The self-defence program should include simulated assaults, with a fully padded instructor in realistic rape and attack
scenarios, to allow you to practice what you've learned.
4. Escape: Always Your Best Option. What if the unthinkable happens? You are suddenly confronted by a predator who
demands that you go with him–be it in a car, or into an alley, or a building. It would seem prudent to obey, but you
must never leave the primary crime scene. You are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured if you go with the predator
than if you run away (even if he promises not to hurt you). Run away, yell for help, throw a rock through a store or car window--do
whatever you can to attract attention. And if the criminal is after your purse or other material items, throw them one way
while you run the other.
5. Your Right to Fight. Unfortunately, no matter how diligently we practice awareness and avoidance techniques,
we may find ourselves in a physical confrontation. Whether or not you have self-defence training, and no matter what your
age or physical condition, it is important to understand that you CAN and SHOULD defend yourself physically. You have both
the moral and legal right to do so, even if the attacker is only threatening you and hasn't struck first. Many women worry
that they will anger the attacker and get hurt worse if they defend themselves, but statistics clearly show that your odds
of survival are far greater if you do fight back. Aim for the eyes first and the groin second. Remember, though, to use the
element of surprise to your advantage--strike quickly, and mean business. You may only get one chance.
6. Pepper Spray: Pros and Cons. Pepper spray, like other self-defence aids, can be a useful tool. However, it is
important to understand that there can be significant drawbacks to its use. For example, did you know that it doesn't work
on everyone? Surprisingly, 15-20% of people will not be incapacitated even by a full-face spray. Also, if you're carrying
it in your purse, you will only waste time and alert the attacker to your intentions while you fumble for it. Never depend
on any self-defence tool or weapon to stop an attacker. Trust your body and your wits, which you can always depend on in the
event of an attack.
7. Home Invasions: A Crime on the Rise. The primary way to prevent a home invasion is simply to never, ever open
your door unless you either are certain you know who's on the other side or can verify that they have a legitimate reason
for being there (dressing up as a repair person or even police officer is one trick criminals use). In the event that an intruder
breaks in while you're home, you should have a safe room in your house to which you can retreat. Such a room should be equipped
with a strong door, deadbolt lock, phone (preferably cell phone), and a can of pepper spray or fire extinguisher.
8. Avoiding Car-jacking. Lock all doors and keep windows up when driving. Most car-jackings take place when vehicles
are stopped at intersections. The criminals approach at a 45-degree angle (in the blind spot), and either pull you out of
the driver's seat or jump in the passenger's seat.
9. A Travel Tip. Violent crimes against women happen in the best and worst hotels around the world. Predators may
play the part of a hotel employee, push their way through an open or unlocked door, or obtain a pass key to the room. As with
home safety, never open your door unless you are certain the person on the other side is legitimate, and always carry a door
wedge with you when you travel. A wedge is often stronger than the door it secures.
10. Safety in Cyberspace. Although the Internet is educational and entertaining, it can also be full of danger if
one isn't careful. When communicating on-line, use a nickname and always keep personal information such as home address and
phone number confidential. Instruct family members to do the same. Keep current on security issues, frauds, viruses, etc.
by periodically referring to "The Police Notebook" Internet Safety Page http://www.ou.edu/oupd/inetmenu.htm
Women are always trying to be sympathetic: stop it! It may get you raped, or killed.
Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS
played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle
or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
