In today’s world, personal safety can never be taken for granted. New forms of crime and violence seem to appear every day. Criminals are bolder and have less regard for their victims than ever before. Places that once seemed safe are no longer immune from danger.
Personal safety refers not only to physical safety (freedom from physical harm) but also to psychological safety, which involves freedom from worry about physical safety as well as being victimized by hostility, aggression, and harassment.
Personal safety really is a conscious choice that everyone must make for themselves. The biggest factor
working against you when it comes to personal safety is “denial”. Most people feel that they will never
become a victim of a crime or disaster, and therefore they never plan for such an event.
Listed below are some key elements in reducing the chance of being a victim of a crime. These key elements can be applied to your everyday activities. At first you will have to make yourself think about each, but after time they will become a normal part of your everyday thinking.
- Increased Awareness: Increase your awareness at home or away by paying
attention to your surroundings and those around you by observing their actions.
Evaluate and recognize high risk situations or locations. - Trusting Instincts: Even if you think you might be wrong in what you’re feeling,
make a change in your action if you feel something is wrong. More often than not,
that gut feeling has some validity of indicating a dangerous situation. - Eliminating Opportunities: Attempt to eliminate opportunities that could make
you a victim. This includes both at home and away. Make a safer and more secure
home. When away such as driving, shopping, walking, or at work, evaluate your
surroundings and make changes in your actions and routine if necessary. - Preparedness: Prepare your daily schedule with safety in mind. Don’t let fear
dominate you, but be reasonable by taking steps or changes that could potentially
keep you or a loved one from being a target or a victim of a crime. Review what you
should do in a “ what if” situation.
Remember, Think of personal safety as a continuous process. Personal safety issues or risks change over time. Identify new or emerging risks or safety issues, assess the impact that they may have on you and your family, and then make plans to reduce your vulnerability. Then take the necessary step to protect yourself.