More than 2.5 million women experience violence annually acoording to the U.S. Department of Justice.  To avoid becoming a victim of violence, your first and foremost level of self defense is prevention.

AT HOME

Women over 35 are most vulnerable to an assault in their own home.  Prevent entrance to your home by making it difficult for a criminal to just walk in.  The more difficult you make it for the criminal, the less likely it is that he will gain entrance.

• Use sturdy, solid wood doors with deadbolt locls
• Doors and windows should be locked at all times
• Install an extra wide angle peephole in doors
• Make sure areas by door and windows are well lighted
• Be assertive with strangers in your home.  Always ask for proper identification before opening your door to anyone
• Install an alarm.  They act as detterents and warn you of intrusion
• Add coverings over your windows for privacy
• Put interior lights on a timer
• Use only your last name on your mailbox, front door buzzer, etc.
• Have an unlisted phone number

ON THE STREET

• Keep your hands free
• Wear clothes that do not restrict movement
• Carry a mobile phone with 911 on speed dial
• Carry enough money for a taxi or bus fare
• Go around groups of men instead of through them
• Cross the street if you are being followed
• If you continue to be followed, go towards people and yell “Fire”
• Do not be afraid to make a scene in order to attract attention
• If someone asks for the time or directions, you have the right to not reply
• Use well lighted streets, staying near the curb unless a car pulls up
• Avoid being on the street alone at night, especially if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Try to take walks and runs with friends or neighbors

DRIVING A CAR

• Keep your car in good running order and avoid driving with a near empty gas tank
• Keep doors locked and windows rolled up
• If your car breaks down, turn on emergency flashers, place “Call Police” sign in window or call the police from your mobile phone.  If someone stops to help, stay in the car and write a note asking him or her to call the police
• If you are being followed, drive to the closest police station, fire station, hospital emergency entrance, or open gas station.  Never allow someone to follow you home
• Never pick up hitch hikers
• Park in well lighted areas and always lock your car when you leave it
• Avoid parking next to vans as you can be pulled in through the sliding door
• Check around, under, and inside your car as you approach it
• Be especially alert in parking structures
• Carry your keys in hand, ready to use
• Make sure a friend safely inside her home, or that her car has started before driving away and ask your friends to do the same for you

ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

• When waiting for public transportation, assume a balanced position behind the bench, so you cannot be pulled into a passing car
• Sit near the driver and stay awake
• If someone harasses you, tell the driver immediately
• If you feel someone is following you when you get off, walk towards a populated area.  Avoid walking directly home

AT WORK

• If you are uncomfortable about getting on an elevator with a lone man or a group of men, wait for the next one.  If you are made uncomfortable once on the elevator, get off at the next floor, or press the emergency/fire button
• Check the identification of service, delivery, or repair people if you have any doubts about them
• Know the routes of escape in your work area
• If you work late, find out whom else is in the building.  When you leave, ask someone (perhaps a security guard) to accompany you to your car

Keep in mind, an attack can occur any place, any time. 

VICTIMS’ REPORT OF TIME OF RAPES AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS:  6pm – midnight…43.4%, 6am – 6pm…33.0%, Midnight - 6am…23.6% (Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice)

VICTIMS’ REPORTS OF WHERE RAPES AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS TOOK PLACE:  At victim’s home…37.4%, At friend’s neighbor’s or relative’s home…19.2%, On the street away from home…10.0%, Parking lot/garage…7.3%, All other locations…26.1% (Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice)

Know your area and be aware of your surroundings.  Keep alert to spot potential danger.  Always listen to your intuition.  If you sense that something is wrong, leave the area immediately. 

Respectfully Yours,

Master Shin