There are several things you can do to minimize your chances of being a
target for random acts of violence.
Be aware of your surroundings. Don't daydream while walking down the street. If you're listening to music, keep it on a very low volume, so
you can hear what's going on around you. Don't talk on your cell phone while walking down the street. Find a safe area where you can sit and
not worry about what's going on around you. Always know where you are and pay attention to what's going on around you.
Body language speaks volumes to people who are looking for targets. They are searching for people that look vulnerable and scared. Walk
with your head up and stand straight. Look like you know what you're doing, where you're going, and that you're confident in yourself.
Don't be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some areas of town attract all sorts of trouble. Even if it's shorter, don't cut through
back alleys alone. You may have gone through there safely before, but who's to say you'll be safe every time? Don't risk it. If you're out
alone and it's dark, don't go through bad neighborhoods. Stay in well lit areas where there are a lot of people that don't make you nervous.
Take public transit if it's dark out, even if it's not a long walk to get home.
Some General Guidelines:
If you're arranging to meet someone for the first time, always arrange for the meeting in a well-lit public place where there are other people
around.
If you can, have a friend go with you.
Tell a close friend or family member where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Give them the name and any other personal
information you have about the person you're meeting (phone numbers, email addresses, screen names, photos, etc).
Have your contact call you by the appointed time you give them, unless you call them first. Tell them that if you don't answer, to
contact the police.
Make sure that you are home by the time you said you would be.
If the person you're meeting is different from what you were expecting (older than they said, looks different, says things that makes
you uncomfortable, wants to go somewhere with less people) get away from them immediately!
Have your own form of transportation and don't let the person you're meeting convince you to get a ride back home with them. Get to know
them a lot better first.
Always have a cell phone with you!
Take the elevator instead of stairs when you're in a public building and there's very few people around. You never know if someone might be
lurking in the stairwells, waiting for someone to come down them.
Do not get on an elevator if there is only one man in it (of course, not all men are bad, but don't take chances. Wait for the next elevator.)
Do not stand back in the corners of the elevator, be near the front, by the doors, ready to get off or on.
If you get on the elevator on the 25th floor, and someone you feel uneasy about gets on at the 22nd, get off when they get on.
If someone attacks you and has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS run! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4
in 100 times. And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!
Women tend to be sympathetic: DON'T, it may get you raped, or killed. Just remember: Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good looking,
well-educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into
his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
If you've gotten into a violent situation, REACT IMMEDIATELY. If he abducts you in a parking lot, and is taking you to an abandoned
area, DON'T LET HIM GET YOU TO THAT AREA. If you are driving, crash your car, then get out and RUN. If he's driving, find the right time,
and stick your fingers in his eyes. He must watch the road, so choose an unsuspecting time, and gouge him. It is your ONLY defense.
While he is in shock, GET OUT AND RUN. RESIST: don't go along with him: run, if you are able. Scream! You DO NOT want to get to
crime scene 2 - DON'T EVER GIVE UP!
Always keep your distance when walking past strangers on the street or in dark areas.
Get a cell phone.
Physical defenses you can use against a violent predator. The eyes are the most vulnerable part of the body. Poke him there, and you have
(possibly) your only window of opportunity. The KNEES. Everyone's knees are very vulnerable, and a swift kick here will take anyone down.
A cautionary note about these: If you do not do these things right the first time, you are in trouble, because it will only anger the individual,
and that anger will be TAKEN OUT ON YOU. We're not saying don't attempt them (it may be your only hope), but be forceful when you do.
