It has been said about self defense training that fully half of what we learn is
preventive, and we practice it in hopes of never having to use the other half.
--Joan Nelson,
All activities (driving a car, filling the bathtub, walking through the parking lot at night) entail
some risk. We all have different attitudes toward risk. At one end of the scale is refusing to
engage in an activity by exaggerating the risk involved. At the other end is engaging in very
risky activities while refusing to take any precautions. Neither of these attitudes are useful for
living an empowered life. What is useful is to accurately assess the risks involved, take
whatever precautions make sense, and live as fully as possible.
We would like to hear your comments on which of these guidelines you follow and whether
they make sense in your cultural/gender context. Following these guidelines will not guarantee
your safety, but will minimize your availability to an assailant.
Listen to and act on your intuition. It's better to be safe and risk a little embarrassment,
than stay in an uncomfortable situation that may be unsafe.
If you are in danger or being attacked and want to get help, yell "Call 911!" or give
specific directions to onlookers; for example: "You! Get the police!" or "Walk me to the
store on the corner, I'm being followed."
Have your keys ready when approaching your car or building.
Vary your routine: drive or walk different routes every day.
If you suspect that someone is following you, by foot or in a car, don't go home (or they
will know where you live). Go to a trusted neighbor or to a public place to call police, or
directly to police station.
Do not label keys with your name or any identification.
Don't talk about your social life or vacation plans where strangers can overhear you.
Teach your children about STRANGER DANGER. Never talk to strangers and never
accept candy, money or gifts from a stranger.
Tell your children about ploys that strangers will use to get them into their vehicles, such
as asking them to help them look for a lost pet.
Teach them the BUDDY SYSTEM. Don't play outside or ride bikes alone.
Teach them the BOUNDARIES. Establish where they are going to play and re-affirm
never to play in the street.
Teach them TIME AND LOCATION NOTIFICATION. Establish where they are going
and a time when they will be home. If they change locations they must call home before
they do so.
Teach them never to play with or touch any guns. If they find one call an adult, don't touch
it!
Teach them that if they are ever home alone not to open the door to strangers.
Teach them that if they feel threatened by a stranger to run away as fast as they can.
Communicate with your children and let them know who can pick them up from school or
other places other than you.
Do not use your full name on your mailbox or in the phone directory, or on your
answering machine.
Do not leave a schedule of your times away from home on your answering machine.
If you live alone, do not let strangers know. Invent a roommate or big dog.
Know which of your neighbors you can trust in an emergency.
Check who is at the door before opening it, and do not open the door to an unexpected
visitor.
Don't hide extra keys in easily accessible places. Criminals will find them.
Ask for photo identification of all repair persons, etc. If you are still suspicious, call to
verify employment.
Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.
Consider creating a "safe room" with a separate telephone line or cellular phone, and
strong locks. If someone breaks in, you can retreat there (with children) and call for help.
Do not let strangers into your home to use the phone. Offer to make the call for them.
Be very careful using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings.
When on the street, walk facing oncoming traffic. It will be harder for someone to pull
you into a car and abduct you.
Tell someone where you'll be and what time you're supposed to return, or if you will be
with someone you don't know well.
Try to not overload yourself with packages. If you must have your hands full, visualize
how you would respond if approached, how you would get your hands free, etc.
Do not wear music headphones while walking or jogging.
Do not read while walking or standing on the street.
If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched. Otherwise
you may be hurt if the mugger knocks you down and drags you. while fleeing with your
purse.
If someone asks you for directions, and if you choose to reply, remain at least two arms
lengths away.
Clogs, high heels, and tight skirts are hard to run and fight in. Capes, scarves, and long
necklaces are easy to grab. Modify your fashion style, or wear comfortable clothing when
walking alone (change into dress-up clothes later), or think through how you would fight
in your dress-up clothes (for example, kicking off your high heels or hiking your skirt up
around your hips before starting to run or kick)
Avoid being on the street alone if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
or have someone go with you.
When dropping someone off at their home, make sure they are safely inside before driving
away. Have them do the same for you.
Check the inside and around your car before entering to insure that no one is hiding there.
Check your surroundings before getting out of your car.
Don't pick up hitchhikers.
Keep doors locked and windows rolled up so that a hand can't reach in.
If a group of suspicious people approaches you when you are stopped at a red light at a
deserted intersection, run the light if your intuition tells you that the situation could get
dangerous.
Don't let gas indicator fall below 1/4.
Plan your route and check a map before you start out.
Park in well-lighted, heavily traveled areas if possible.
Try not to park next to a van, as you can be pulled in through the sliding door.
Whenever you have to stop your vehicle leave enough room between your vehicle and
other vehicles or things so you could drive off if any danger presented itself.
Don't leave valuables in plain sight inside your car.
If you think someone has run into your vehicle intentionally keep your doors locked,
activate your emergency lights and stay in your car until the police arrive.
If you think that you are being followed drive to an area that has a lot of people or drive
to the closest law enforcement office.
Notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of any suspicious activity that you
observe.
Give only ignition key to attendant.
If you see an accident or stranded motorist, report it from the nearest telephone instead of
stopping.
Carry in your car:
Flashlight, flares, fix-a-flat, maps, comfortable warm clothing, first aid kit, empty
gas can, white cloth to tie to antenna to signal distress, cellular phone.
When confronted by a threatening dog, our impulse is often to turn and run - the worst
response, since movement triggers the chase instinct in dogs.
Stand very still and try to be calm.
Don't scream at the dog and run.
Be aware of where the dog is. Look in its general direction, but dot stare into its eyes.
This is considered an aggressive challenge.
Let the dog sniff you.
In a low voice say, "No! Go home!"
Stay still until the dog leaves.
Back away slowly until it's out of sight.
If a dog does attack, try to "feed" it your workout jacket, bike equipment (briefcase,
purse) to distract the dog while you back slowly away towards safety.
If you are knocked down or fall, curl into a ball and keep your hands over your ears, face,
and neck. Try not to scream or roll around.
