Women’s Self Defense Post #3: Prevention Cont.
Avoid Being a Potential Target Part 1: While Walking
- Avoid walking alone at night. Get someone to walk with you or walk in populated areas
- Plan your route ahead of time
- Stay in well-lit areas
- Take major public streets rather than less populated paths
- Avoid potentially dangerous areas aka places where an attacker could hide or secluded areas where you would be vulnerable (shortcuts through parks, vacant lots, corners, bushes, etc.)
- If a driver asks you for directions, avoid getting near the car
- If harassed by a driver, walk in the opposite direction so they would have to turn around
- If you feel you are being followed, go to the nearest business or populated area and seek help
- Hold your purse close, not dangling
- Do not load yourself down with packages/bags
- Have your cell phone easily accessible and fully charged
- Walk assertively and with purpose. Do not appear lost
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- — Avoid wearing headphones or talking/texting on your cell phone
- — Maintain distance between yourself and strangers
- Trust your instincts
