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.