Every two minutes, a woman is raped in the United States.
50 percent of Canadian women have been sexually assaulted or hurt physically, according to a survey done in 1993.
In Australia, 19% of women between the ages of 18 and 24 have been violently hurt in the last year.
One in every four American women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime, according to statistics.
These facts are TERRIFYING!
I have been giving seminars and courses on self-defense for more than 30 years. During that time, I've taught thousands of people how to keep themselves safe and healthy.
Awareness is ALWAYS the first step in making yourself safer.
Most of my quick tips are about sexual attacks because that's what most women worry about the most.
If you are a woman, here are ten simple things you can do right away to make yourself safer:
- Don't wear clothes that show too much in public. By doing this, you will be sure to get a lot of attention, even from people who want to hurt you. Be quiet and save your provocative clothes for when you can be alone with your partner.
2 - Listen to your gut. Women have a lot of sense. Usually, if you think something might be dangerous, it is. You should listen to that little guardian angel instead of ignoring him or her.
3 - The number of rapes and other sexual assaults keeps going up. If things get really bad, you can use your fingernails to scratch your attacker's face. It identifies him and gives you his DNA under your nails.
4 - Be polite when you are driving your car. Rude hand signs are not liked by anyone. Remember that you have to stop at some point, even if it's just to get gas. People with twisted minds might follow you for miles "just to teach you a lesson" because you made yourself a target.
5 - It's a bad idea to drink too much alcohol, take drugs that change your mind, or leave ANY food or drink unattended where it could be changed. Give yourself a fair shot at it.
6 - NEVER let hitchhikers ride with you, and NEVER, EVER hitchhike yourself.
7 - If you live by yourself, make sure that all of your mail is addressed with just your first initial and last name. Don't let your mail be addressed to you as Miss, Mrs., Ms., or with your given or Christian name. Before they get to you, those letters and packages are seen by many people. Switch them. Make them vague about your sexuality and whether or not you are married. Why would you let anyone know even a little bit more about you?
8 - NEVER walk alone at night or in isolated places at any time. These places are great for predators. Don't do them.
9 - A lot of sexual acts are done by people the victims knew or thought they knew. Be friendly and polite, but watch out for signs that someone is acting "weird." Do NOT flirt. Be firm when someone is bothering you, especially at work.
10 Usually, a sexual attack starts with a visual sign, which is followed by a verbal approach. Only then does the physical attack happen. Remember the order: the look, the talk, and then the attack.
Please feel free to give this list to all the women you care about.
The only thing that has to stay the same is the resource box, and this article can't be changed in any way.
So many bad people are out there. Let's help our women keep themselves safe. Don't let someone YOU know be the next person to be hurt.
