Family and Home Security Information

Avoiding Dangerous Situations

Submitted by archa on Thu, 2007-03-29 12:11.

While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
• Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
• Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
• Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags, because this can make you appear more vulnerable.
• Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
• Try not to allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or don’t know.
• Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.

[tags sexual assault, reducing risk of sexual assault[/tags]