Physical Assault

No one method of prevention is completely effective in every situation. Allowing yourself to consider what you would do if attacked may be the best preparation. Also consider the following suggestions:

• Lock your doors and windows in your car and at home.
• Don't open your door to strangers; require identification of all service personnel.
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Always walk in well-lit areas and walk assertively.
• Avoid dark sidewalks and areas.
• Avoid walking close to recessed doorways when walking down the sidewalk at night.
• Don't fill your arms with packages, always keep an arm and one hand free whenever possible.
• Travel with a companion or in groups when out of town or in unfamiliar neighborhoods and settings.
• Hitchhiking can be dangerous. If you must hitchhike try to travel in pairs and be cautious with whom you accept a ride.
• If you are attacked - talk with the attacker to show sympathy, deal with him/her as a person; force the attacker to see you as a person and not an object. If anything you do or say makes the attacker more violent - stop doing it!
• Do not fight against a weapon-your life is most important. Remember - fighting escalates violence.
• If you are carrying firearms, the attacker could gain control of the gun and use it against you.