When you’re out and about alone, you can never be too careful with your personal safety. It would be great if women didn’t have to worry about attacks but that’s not the reality of the world we live in. Better to be safe than sorry.
Preventative measures are just as important as knowing what to do in the event of an attack. With that in mind, here are 7 safety tips designed to keep women safer.
Table of Contents
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe is to pay attention to what’s going on around you. While you’re walking down the street, crossing a parking lot, or even walking into a store keep your eyes up instead of on your phone.
A quick look around when you enter or leave a building will let you know if anyone is lingering that could be a problem. And paying attention to who, if anyone, is behind you can keep you a lot safer.
2. Lock Doors Behind You
There is a crucial moment when you first get into your car or walk into your house where there’s an opening for someone to get in behind you. The best way to prevent this from happening is by locking your doors as soon as you’re inside.
If you leave a door unlocked, as soon as you let your guard down and start doing something else, someone could easily open the door and get to you.
3. Never Pull Over
There are many cases where an attacker will drive up beside your car and start pointing at it as if there’s something seriously wrong. We promise that nothing is so bad that it can’t wait for the next exit.
Never pull your car over on the side of the road, especially with a stranger. Drive to the nearest well-lit gas station where there are plenty of people to check your car.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Loud
A lot of times, an attacker will look for the easiest target. When you’re in a situation that makes you uncomfortable or you feel you are in danger, making a scene could save you.
Speak loudly and tell someone not to get any closer. Grab the attention of others by screaming for help if you need to. The last thing these people want is attention drawn to them and they’re more likely to leave you alone.
5. Arm Yourself
Carrying pepper spray isn’t always a guarantee of safety. The fact is, it’s not effective on everyone and may cause more trouble than it’s worth.
If it makes you feel safer and more in control, consider getting a gun to keep on your person. Take classes to learn how to use your weapon correctly so that if the time comes you are familiar with it.
And if you are heading into a situation you know could get dangerous, such as dealing with an abusive ex, consider hiring a personal bodyguard to keep you safe during the situation. You can find out more about it here.
6. Take Self Defense Classes
Self-defense classes are specifically crafted to keep people safe from attackers. Women can really benefit from taking these classes and it can make them feel empowered to protect themselves if the need arises.
Do your research before attending any class to ensure it’s legitimate. A good self defense class will teach you how to defend yourself while never forcing you to participate in a way that makes you uncomfortable.
7. Trust Your Gut
Your instincts know more than you might give them credit for. If someone or something feels off to you, trust yourself and get out of the situation in any way you can.
Not every attacker looks like a monster. Don’t put politeness or a fear of embarrassment over your safety. If you get bad vibes from someone, no matter who they are, it’s best to get away from them.
In Conclusion
The burden or blame of an assault is never on the victim. However, attackers don’t care about that burden and will continue with their actions no matter what. That’s why it’s so important for women to be prepared in the event they become a target.
These 7 safety tips can make the difference in a dangerous situation. You never know when you might need to use them.