Violence Against Women – Educating & Protecting Women

I believe it’s up to all of us to educate our young daughters, sisters, and friends about what they can do to help prevent being victims of a violent attack. To many of us, the tips listed below may seem like common sense, but don’t assume everyone realizes the danger they may be placing themselves in. If you haven’t already, share these tips with the young women in your life about ways they can protect themselves. The last two tips are especially important for our teens and college students who live and die by their iPods and cell phones (the last tip I added). If Catherine in A Soul Less Broken had followed these tips, she might not have found herself in the presence of evil:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.

• Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.

• Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.

• Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.

• Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.

• Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.

• Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.

• Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.

• Avoid talking on a cell phone if you are walking alone. It prevents you from being fully aware of your surroundings.

Info provided by The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and publicizes the hotline's free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual assault, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

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