Women and Safety
CRIME PREVENTION: WOMEN & SAFETY
You can help protect yourself from violent crime by taking self-protection measures that will reduce your risk.
Stay Out of Isolated Areas
- Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas.
- If possible, do not get on an empty elevator with strangers.
Trust Your Instincts
- If you sense trouble, get away as soon as possible.
Show Confidence
- Walk with a purpose, at a steady pace, keep your head up.
- Avoid carrying lots of packages…It can make you look defenseless.
When Using Public Transportation
- Wait at busy, well-lit stops.
- Sit close to the driver or conductor.
- Speak loudly or yell if you feel threatened. Don’t be afraid of making a scene to attract attention.
- If you carry a purse, clutch it tightly underneath your arm. Don't wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured.
Use Caution on Dates
- Beware of alcohol and drugs, they affect judgment. Be aware of whether or not your date uses them.
- Never leave your drink unattended. If you leave it, do not return to consuming it.
- Don't drink anything you didn't get, open or pour yourself.
- Let a friend know where you are going.
- Carry a cell phone for emergencies.
- Provide your own transportation.
- Avoid secluded places.
When Driving…..
- Park in a well-lit spot close to your destination.
- Do not leave any packages or personal items in open view in the car. Place them in the trunk.
- When returning to your vehicle, have your keys ready.
- Do a visual scan of the area as you area approaching.
- Check the backseat and floor area of your car before getting in to make sure no one is hiding inside.
- Keep doors locked and windows up.
- Do not drive with your purse laying on the seat of the car
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Keep your car in good repair.
- Be sure you have enough fuel for your trip.
- Carry a cell phone for emergencies.
- Keep a flashlight in your vehicle for emergencies.
- If you are in danger of being harmed or robbed, while in your car, and are unable to drive away, start sounding your horn until assistance arrives.
- If you feel you are being followed, drive to the nearest police or fire station, or populated public place.
Be Safe at Home
- Keep doors and windows locked.
- Never prop exterior doors open and leave them unattended.
- Use deadbolt locks on outside entrances.
- Never hide keys outside your home.
- Keep at least one inside light on when you're away.
- Keep outside entrances well-lit.
- Install a peephole in your front door and use it.
- Ask for identification of any repair or delivery person before opening your door…If you are not expecting anyone, call the company to verify before opening the door.
- Never let a stranger in your home, and never let him or her know if you are alone. If someone wants to use your phone, offer to make the call for them.
- If you think someone is in your home, don't go inside! Go to a nearby phone and call the police.
When Walking or Exercising
- Plan the safest route before you leave.
- Don't wear headphones.
- Vary your walking, jogging or biking route.
- Travel with a companion, if possible.
- Stand back from a vehicle when giving a driver directions.
- If you feel someone is following you, change course and head toward a populated area and ask for assistance.
- Don't carry a purse. This makes you a target for attack.
- Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings.
- Walk on the side of the street nearest to oncoming traffic. If accosted by someone in a car, run in the direction opposite the way the car is headed.
When Responding to an Attack
- Assess the situation.
- Realize that you have viable options. For example you may: yell for help, run away, or as a last resort choose to offer resistance.
- Remember your safety is what's important. Do whatever you think is best under the circumstances.
Whatever you choose to do, do it quickly!
If You've Been Attacked or Raped
- Go to a safe place.
- Go to the hospital. Don't shower, brush your teeth, douche or change your clothes, since any of these may destroy medical evidence.
- Call the police. If you are 18 years or older, it is your choice whether or not to prosecute a rape. But keep in mind that prosecuting rape is an important part of ending violence against women.
- Remember that an attack is never your fault. Never feel guilty about how you did or did not respond.
Take time out...Protect Yourself……Personal safety starts with you.