Feeling Safe In A Time of Uncertainty

It happens more than we think and probably care to admit. Men and women fall victim to violent crimes every day; attacked, mugged, violated – overpowered by an attacker. Unfortunately for women, one in three will experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime, and those isolated at home with an abuser are finding it harder than ever to escape. 

But the threat isn’t always at home. In a time when we are all being asked to isolate, practice social distancing and venture out to the store only when absolutely necessary, going out “alone” may be a woman’s only option if they wish to get what they need for their families. Women are no longer running errands with a friend or able to sidle up to another woman to pretend they’re with somebody else when being watched or followed by a stranger they sense is a threat.

Statistics show that women who aren’t in the company others, are far more likely to fall victim to a violent crime. Quite literally, there is safety in numbers. For women, this has always been the sad reality they live with every day. In fact, men are considerably more likely than women to say they feel safe walking alone in their communities.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, here are a few things everyone can do to protect themselves from falling victim of a violent crime while out in public.

• Maintain awareness of one’s surroundings.
• Avoid going out at night.
• Inform others of your location.
• Walk with confidence and a purpose.
• Carry a cell phone for emergencies.
• Do not chat with friends on the phone – it interferes with alertness and awareness.
• Do not wear headphones while waking – You make yourself a target.
• Take online self-defense lessons to learn how to defend yourself or escape.
• Carry some kind of physical protection on you and easily accessible such as a stun gun, Kubaton, pepper spray or if you have your CCW permit, carry a legal firearm. (Be sure to check with your State for its list of legal firearms and Conceal Carry Weapon (CCW) permit process)

If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence and need assistance, use this map to find your local hotline or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

If you know of a child experiencing abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4 A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) Text, Call or Chat.

And be sure to check out this list of other National Hotlines, including Help for Parents, Human Trafficking, Mental Illness, etc.