Experts in the field have suggested at as many as 33% of all women will become the victim of a sexual assault or rape at least once during their lives. The majority of these women—close to 80% of them—will be assaulted by a rapist they already know. Instead of becoming a statistic there are things women can do to avoid being a sexual assault victim.
Women Should Protect Themselves
The first four tips involve awareness. Whether you are in a video store lot or leaving work after dark, always pay close attention the sights and sounds in your environment.
1. Women who aren't active and who are oblivious make the easiest targets. When you are walking from point A to point B, do it purposefully and be confident.
2. Do not wander to strange or unfamiliar places. You need to know precisely where you are at any given moment. That way, if you do need help you can tell the police how to find you.
3. Whenever possible, have a buddy or group of friends walk with you. Walking alone is sometimes necessary, though. So keeping pepper spray in your purse can also be a good idea.
4. Stay away from poorly lit streets and sidewalks. Use popular streets with heavy pedestrian traffic.
These seven tips involve improving safety when you are at home. It isn't all about installing bars on your window. One thing you can do is simply train with a martial arts DVD.
5. Check the lighting around your home and look for improvements you can make. Replace burned out bulbs and add new fixtures where needed.
6. Make sure lurkers can't hide in overgrown vegetation. Keep your hedges trimmed.
7. Check the windows, fencing and gates to make sure the close completely and lock securely.
8. Learn Martial Arts Self Defense at home or take a class at a local gym or studio. Learning self defense will give you extra confidence and teach you how to ward off attackers.
9. At night, make sure you close your curtains and blinds. Leaving them open is an invitation for criminals to plan their attack.
10. Don't open your door to strangers. Install a safety chain and use it all the time.
11. Your front door should have a peephole so you can look to see who is at your doorstep before you open it.
These last to tips will help you avoid becoming a victim at a party or other outing or on a date.
1. Date rape can be a concern for women too. If you are drinking at a party, never let someone else bring you a drink. After you have a drink, don't let it out of your sight. You should only drink from sealed containers or buy a drink directly from the bartender.
2. Don't go home with someone you don't know or do not trust, especially if you have been consuming alcoholic beverages.
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