Protect Yourself from Attack

Every two minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted! One out of every six women has been a victim of a rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.

Taken from Reno-Gazette, December 2008

A PREDATOR SPEAKS OUT - Curtis Lange managed to rape several women. His interview by police and the details of how he victimized these women may save many of us from becoming victims.

Here are some ways to protect yourself.

1. Take notice – if someone you don’t know very well is taking an interest in you, ask yourself; “what are their motives?”.
2. Be cautious and alert if a stranger approaches you, asks you a question or needs your help, make personal safety your first priority.
3. Pay attention to your surroundings. Some criminals are successful because they have the element of surprise on their side. If you are by yourself in public, look around and notice people near you – stay conscious.
4. Research what information is available about you on the Internet. Take steps to remove it. Curtis Lange got information from the Internet on all his victims and found out which women lived alone.
5. Have good locks and keep your doors and windows shut and locked. Make breaking in as difficult as possible.
6. Keep your cell phone charged and nearby in case you need to call police. Keep your phone and keys in your hand when walking to and from your car. When parking your car, take notice exactly where it is parked. Make a mental or written note. Predators are looking for an easy mark. If your focus is on looking for your car, you are not paying attention to what is around you and appearing less confident.
7. Purchase a hand sound alarm to put under your bed or carry with you when getting in or out of the car or walking in a parking lot, and once in your car, lock the doors, turn on the engine, drive away. Don’t get on the phone and allow yourself to become oblivious to your surroundings. http://www.betterbuys-r-us.com/PersonalSafetyAlarms.htmln8. Have a burglar alarm installed with a panic device in your home to put near your bed, or other rooms wherever you are working, and always activate it when in the house alone. If you are upstairs with no alarm activated, you may not hear someone coming up the stairs.
9. If you do become victimized, observe as many details about the suspect as possible; voice, body type, hair, facial hair, scent, scars, clothing and vehicle description.
10. Take Taekwondo lessons or other self-defense course to build your confidence in protecting yourself.

For information on Taekwondo classes for women call Amanda Palmer 916-624-2528 or email robinsonstkdrocklin@hotmail.com

Important Note: When your kids are with you, and you drive into your driveway (with doors still locked), always look around you, park or drive into the garage and shut the garage door before getting the kid(s) out of their carseats.

Gloria Manchester, President of CARTE-Child Abuse Resolved Through Education and Leadership Education Action Programs www.leaptoexcellence.com