The potential to become a victim of a crime is a very real threat to the health and security of all women, regardless of their age or where they live. These threats can range anywhere from sexual assault, robbery or domestic violence. The CDC says that “More than half of all women will experience violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes.” Furthermore, researchers tell us that the actual numbers are most likely much greater because these crimes are usually underreported.

As a husband and as a father of three young women these statistics scare me. However, as someone who has dedicated the last 40 years of my life to training families how to protect their safety, I know there are some things women can do to avoid becoming a victim of a crime.  Of course, as a trained martial artist and Krav Maga instructor I know that one of the best ways for women to stay safe is by learning self-defense techniques that can deter or fend off an attacker. However, equally important is to make sure we don’t end up in a position where a predator can attack us in the first place!  Here are three simple things women can do to prevent being a victim of a crime.

  1. Awareness
  2. Body Language
  3. Situational Intelligence

Awareness

When I teach Women’s Self-Defense seminars, I encourage the participants to have a “healthy sense of paranoia”. In other words, be prepared for the unexpected.  When walking alone or with your children, anticipate what dangers may be around you so you are not caught off-guard. Here are some examples of this…

Car Safety

  • When walking to your car, be aware of your surroundings.  Glance under your car as you approach and investigate the back seat before you get in.  Yes – this may sound paranoid but let’s call it being proactive! Protecting you and your family is worth a little extra vigilance. You’re just keeping a healthy eye on potential danger.
  • If you are parked next to a van – beware.  Many predators have attacked their victims by pulling them into their van as the woman was attempting to get into her car.
  • Look at the cars parked on either side of yours.  If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to go back and find an escort.  (Don’t ever be shy about getting an escort to your car.)

Distractions

When you are distracted, you are unaware of potential dangers around you.  Police interviews with predators found that attackers look for women who are distracted because they make easy victims.  This means that being distracted is double trouble:  You aren’t prepared to defend yourself AND you’re making yourself a target because you fit the profile of what a predator is looking for!

  • Do not talk on a cell phone when walking alone as you are not focused on your surroundings.
  • Children or younger siblings can be very demanding of your attention, but try not to let them distract you from being aware of your surroundings. Keep one eye out for potential dangers.
  • Be careful when walking with earphones because you can’t hear attackers approaching behind you. (Because of this, the rule in our house is that when you run alone you don’t wear earphones.)

Body Language

Police also tell us that predators look for someone who fits the psychological profile of being an easy victim.  Someone who looks insecure, walks with their head down, poor posture and not paying attention tells the predator that this person won’t put up a fight. 

  • Even if you do not feel confident, try to look like you are.  Walk with a purpose, keep your head up, swing your arms, and make eye contact.
  • Police tell us that most attackers will abort the attack if you confront them with a defiant attitude and make eye contact with them before they can attack you. We are told the predator will just go look for someone else who is an easier victim.
  • If you hear someone approaching, do not ignore them.  Keep your space, confront them by looking them in the eye and ask, “What do you want?”  Demonstrate to the potential predator that you would not be an easy victim. (Don’t worry about appearing rude, if they weren’t a predator they will get over it. Better safe than sorry.)

 

Situational Intelligence

  • Don’t be in the wrong place at the wrong time. (Listen to your gut.  If it doesn’t feel right, then leave!)
  • Do not walk alone in remote areas if you can help it. If you do, be alert.
  • When walking alone, do not let a man come within striking distance of you.  Most sexual assaults start with a man punching a woman in the face.  This is designed to assert dominance over the woman and get the victim to shut down and be compliant.  Keep a safe distance and be ready to block a potential strike. 
  • College women should us the college security escort service when walking home from the library late at night. (Don’t be shy about asking for the escort. That’s what they get paid to do!)
  • Your home can be a fortress, but if you open the door to the wrong person, it can also be your prison.  Do not ever open the door to someone you do not know.  The Geneva serial rapist (2004) was a nice-looking, well-dressed man who would knock on doors of suburban homes and once inside would lock the door behind him and attack the poor mom that answered the door. Keep a doorstop jammed behind your door if you have to open it.  If the person tries to force entry this can slow them down so you can call 911.
  • Do not ever let young children answer the door alone.

 

Other Tips

  • Carry a whistle that can be used to attract the attention of anyone who may be within earshot and startle the attacker.

I admit, some of the content of this article is unsettling, however, I sincerely believe that taking proactive measures of vigilance and awareness can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe so you can live life to the full!

If you would like to take some fun and simple self-defense classes that would give you peace of mind I encourage you to try our beginners special for our martial arts or Krav Maga self-defense classes. Click here to register!

By Mr. Cristian Nelson