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10 Ways for Women to Avoid Dangerous Situations
I love interacting with people, but when I am out and about I know I have to be aware and careful. According to www.unwomen.org, 30 percent of women have been subjected to physical violence, which doesn’t include harassment. With numbers that high, we have to do whatever we can to protect ourselves. Here are ten ideas.
1. Take a basic self-defense class
I took karate for 8 years and I am so grateful for what I learned in that time. You don’t have to take an official class, but there are many workshops to learn some basics to protect yourself. I went to one thinking I wouldn’t learn anything new, but the instructor told us that it is common for a man to attack a woman while putting things in the trunk. The woman is thrown in the trunk. We were taken outside and shown that there was a release mechanism inside the trunk. I had no idea.
2. Be aware of your surroundings
Look around where you are. See who and what is around you. Don’t be looking at reels on your phone or listening to music. Be aware of what is happening near you.
3. Travel in a group
Go places with your friends whenever you can. There is power in numbers.
4. Don’t accept drinks or food from strangers (other than your server of course)
There are so many stories of women being drugged. Don’t take a chance.
5. Don’t encourage unwanted attention
It can feel awkward to be rude, but if you feel uncomfortable with the attention that someone is paying you, find a way to end the conversation.
6. Park in well-lit areas and go with someone else if possible.
When you are out at night park in well-lit areas, and drive with friends whenever possible.
7. Tell at least one person where you are going.
Tell someone where you are going, text when you arrive and when you are leaving.
8. Don’t look like an easy target.
In nature, animals make themselves look bigger as a defense mechanism. Walk with confidence and purpose with a look on your face that says don’t mess with me.
9. Don’t ever let someone who is threatening you take you to a secondary location.
There were many lessons I learned in karate, but this was one that was repeated often. Our teacher reminded us that when someone wants to take you to a secondary location it is to isolate you and cause you harm.
10. Use your common sense and avoid a situation before it becomes a dangerous one.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to know how to avoid a dangerous situation in the first place. Avoid areas where you feel uncomfortable, stay clear-headed, know your surroundings, and have people around you that you trust.
