Risk Reduction Strategies
At Home / Residence Hall
Drapes and Shades – Draw the drapes and pull the shades. If drapes are thin or worn, you may want to consider investing in heavier fabric to avoid silhouetting.
Outdoor Lighting – Lighting around doors and corners are important. Motion detectors for exterior lighting are highly recommended. Ground lights will help with walkways and doorways.
Shrubs and bushes – Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed for consistent shape. Bushes under windows should be at least 6 inches below the ledge.
Doors and locks – Invest in solid doors and dead bolts. Keep dorm rooms closed and locked for safety. Doors with windows close to the doorknob could provide means of easy access for intruder.
Windows – Lock them!
Spare key – Hiding spare keys outside of residence is a dangerous practice. Leave one with a trusted neighbor or friend.
Phone – Do not leave your name on answering machines (especially if only women live in the household). Also check local telephone features in your area like caller ID or call blocking.
Transportation
Car – Have your vehicle serviced regularly. Try to maintain at least one fourth of a tank of gas at all times.
Assistance with a disabled vehicle – Be cautious of the helpful stranger. Cellular phones are extremely helpful in these cases. You can also obtain 911 cell phones that do not require packaged service airtime.
Bus – Try to sit next to the driver or as close to the front as possible. Consider exiting near lighted areas and try to avoid dark bus stops.
Dating
Phone numbers – When meeting someone who you would like to see again, ask for their phone number instead of giving out yours. Consider giving out pager or work numbers.
Driving – Consider meeting your date at an agreed upon location. Let someone know who you are going out with and where you are going.
First date saving grace – If you have a cell phone or pager, plan on having a friend call you 1 or 2 hours into the date. When you call back or pick up the phone, you have an “out” if you need it. If you are feeling uncomfortable, tell your date that your roommate called and there is an emergency at home. If the date is going well, tell your friend that everything is ok and you’ll talk to them later.
Goodnights - Say goodnight at the car, not the front door. This will lead to less pressure to invite him in. You could even indicate that someone is waiting for you inside.
On the street
Walking/ Jogging – Try to exercise with a partner. When jogging, try to stay on main roads and populated areas. Vary running routes and times to avoid predictability.
Attitude – Walk with a strong attitude. Keep your head up and act like you know exactly where you’re going (even if you don’t).
Directions – If you are lost on the streets, know who to ask for directions. Good options are employees at stores, hotels, gas stations. Do not ask strangers on the street.
General Safety Strategies
Be alert
A lot of times in society today, we are always in a hurry and not paying attention what’s going on around us. Women must pay attention. You don’t want to be reading while you are walking to work. You don’t want to have headphones on so you’re not aware of what’s going on around you. You want to walk with that confidence and let people know “I know you’re there. I know what's going on around me.” You’re less likely to become a victim that way.
Follow your instincts
Woman can sometimes sense when something is not quite right. “Most victims interviewed have said “ I knew something was going to happen. I knew something was wrong.” LISTEN to your instinct. If something feels wrong, it is.
Don’t panic
If you do find yourself in a situation, know that you still have some control. Use the rush of adrenaline to help you out of the situation.
Have a plan
Take a self defense class, you need to have a plan in order to conquer and avoid situations and to act on what it is that is happening. Think about situations you will be in beforehand and mentally prepare an escape or action plan, should something suspicious or threatening occur.
Mentally rehearse your plan
Women don’t want to be paranoid, but your want to know what you would do in a certain situation. Practice everywhere. The more knowledge you have the better off you’ll be. If you are aware of what types of crimes occur, where they happen and what the most likely scenarios are, thinking about having a plan will become a natural reaction.
Have an escape route
Know where the doors and windows are in a room. Being able to find the nearest stairwell or phone may help you stay safe.
Know what information to give to law enforcement
Even the smallest detail may give authorities a clue to finding the suspect. Tell authorities everything that occurred and what was said during the incident, including things that may seem unimportant to you.
Know how to describe a suspect
Practice your observation skills. Look for details.
Report suspicious activities
Your strongest weapon is your mind
You don’t have to be bigger than the suspect, just smarter. Your mind can get you out of most situations.
Take a self defense class
Don't be naive. Bad things do happen to careful people. Pay attention. Don’t be polite or afraid to cause a scene. If you think you are in danger or feel uncomfortable don’t ignore that “nagging” sense something is wrong. ACT ON IT!
