There are three primary reasons why an individual can be an easier target of a violent act:

• Lack of Awareness
• Body Language
• Wrong Place – Wrong Time

Even though almost 90% of the cases of assaults against women, the victim had some knowledge of her attacker, the potential of a random attack can occur. Escape is always the best option if it can be accomplished. You have that right to defend yourself and only you can make that decision to fight. Here are some suggestions to help in the prevention of an assault or being the victim of a crime.

• Awareness is the first line of defense. This is awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and a potential attackers likely strategies.
• Body Language can either invite or help deter an attacker. By keeping your head up, swing your arms, stand straight and walk with confidence is a great deterrent.
• Being in the wrong place or at a wrong time can place you in jeopardy. Don’t walk alone or drive in bad neighborhoods at night. Avoid the high-risk locations. Make sure people know where you are and how to reach you.
• Using your “ gut instinct” is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people. Learn to trust this power and use it to your advantage. Avoid a person or situation which does not “feel” safe.
• Self defense training is a great confidence builder and supplies helpful physical tools of how to avoid and escape from an attacker. It gives you additional options.
• Users of the internet should be aware of potential dangers by posting too much information about one’s self. Be very cautious about your personal information.
• Change it up regularly. Change a walking routine or the things that you do on a daily basis that become a time frame habit.
• Keep a cell phone available. However, do not let it distract you from your surroundings when using it.
• Practice the “ what if” situations by thinking about them and formulate a strategy of escape.