personal safety tips
out and about
The martial art tae kwon do teaches that the strongest point on your body is the elbow. If you're close enough to a predator, use it! Tourist guides in New Orleans, U.S.A., say that if a robber asks you for your wallet or purse, toss it away - don't hand it to him! Chances are he's more interested in your money than your life, and will run after the purse, giving you an opportunity to run away and tell the police. Always take the elevator instead of the stairs. Not only are stairwells nasty places to be alone at night, they're a frequent crimespot at all times of the day. If your "captor" has a gun, but you aren't under his control, always run. There is only a 4% chance that your predator will hit a running target, and even then, an even slimmer chance that he will severely injure you by doing so. Run, preferably in a zig-zag pattern - this makes it harder for him to get you! Don't be too sympathetic and willing to help out a stranger. Many predators will pretend to be disabled or in need of your assistance getting into their car. If you really do think the person needs your help, go and find a policeman and ask them to help the disabled person. If the person is legitimately handicapped they'll appreciate it anyway! A lot of cases in America report the sound of a crying baby outside the victim's door. A woman rang the police, feeling that hearing a baby wailing outside her door so late was weird, and the police told her to stay indoors and not answer the door. Many of these cases have been reported, especially when the woman is home alone... a little suspicious, no?! :/ If you ring the police, they'll arrive and deal with it. The predator may have a tape recording of a crying child and it's too easy to just play it outside your door... ...don't let your maternal instincts be your downfall! If you are walking alone at night, keep to a well-lit street where there are people nearby, and don't listen to your MP3 Player or your Walkman - you can't hear people sneaking up behind you!
in the car
If you are ever bundled into the boot of a car, kick out the tail lights, put your arm through the hole, and start waving frantically. The driver of the car won't notice a thing - but everyone else will. A lot of people get into their car and sit for a few minutes to sort out their money, make a list of things to do, have a cigarette etc. before driving off - this is the perfect opportunity for a predator to get in through the passenger side. Drive off as soon as you get in your car, and lock the doors. If someone is in the car with you holding you at gunpoint, do not drive where they tell you to go. Instead, put your foot right down on the gas and speed right into anything you can, wrecking the car. As soon as the car crashes, bail and run. Your airbag will keep you safe, and if the predator is in the back seat they'll get the worst of the impact. When getting into your car in a parking area or garage:
Look at your surroundings - check in and around your car, including the floor and back seat of the car. If you are parked next to a van or truck, enter through the passenger door - some predators pull you into their van whilst you are trying to enter your vehicle. Look at the car parked next to you - if there is a lone male, or even more than one, sitting in the car, or anyone else who looks suspicious, don't get in your car - go back to where you left from (work, a department store, etc.), and get police or security to walk back to the car with you.other stuff
Buy a rape alarm which lets off a deafening 100-decibel screeching noise when activated. The alarm will frighten off any predators, as well as letting everyone in the neighbourhood know you're in trouble.