by Kaitlyn Hamilton

Created on: July 30, 2008

Every woman, regardless of age, size, or physical ability, needs to know how to avoid dangerous situations and how to defend themselves should the need arise. First we will go over how to avoid dangerous situations.

1. Never walk or jog alone at any time of day or night. It doesn't matter if you are in a park or on a deserted street. Do not isolate yourself and make yourself an easy target. If you want to go for a stroll or a jog, then find a friend to go with you or get a large dog. Even when jogging with a friend, always be aware of your surroundings. Know the area where you will be jogging and always have an idea of where to escape to if necessary. If you are in a park or on a trail, stick to the pathways where other people are present. If you stay in heavily populated and well lit areas, then you are less likely to become a target of some terrible crime.

2. When you are out shopping, do not carry a purse. I know most ladies have ten pounds of junk they feel that they can't leave home without, but a purse makes you an easy target. Not only do attackers want to steal whatever you have inside that purse, but it also keeps you from having your hands freed up in case of an attack. Unfortunately, a majority of women I know who have been attacked were carrying purses at the time and the attacker tried to take it from them. Also, always minimize carrying packages or any other objects in your hands. If you're out shopping at the mall and you have started to collect more that one or two bags, then you need to make a trip to your car. Put your packages in your trunk or out of sight.

3. Any time you leave your vehicle or a building, always look around you first. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone suspicious hanging around, then don't get out of your car or stay inside the building and lock the door if possible. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If a stranger approaches you, then attempt to quickly walk away from them before they have time to reach you. If they try to stop you, then don't be afraid to loudly tell them to keep back. Who cares if they think you're nuts? If they are someone who doesn't mean you harm, then they will go away. If they are planning to make you a victim, then they know that you aren't afraid to confront them. If they keep coming toward you after you tell them to keep back, then yell "9-1-1!" at the top of your lungs and run. In the case of an attack, you don't have the time to be concerned with manners or appearances.

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