*NEVER get into a vehicle with an abductor. Do everything you can to avoid this. Once at a secondary location, the chances of you dying are far greater.
*Draw as much attention to yourself as possible. Yell, scream HELP, set off your panic button if you have one on your car, honk your horn, anything you can do that will draw attention to yourself if confronted by someone will increase the chances of them running off to find a more submissive victim.
*Don't be afraid to ask someone to walk you to your car. Whether its a security guard, police officer, store employee, etc. They will be more than happy to help you.
*Rapists and attackers hate women who fight back. Criminals are a lazy sort, and if you make it difficult for a criminal the chances of them finding an easier victim increase.
*Do NOT hesitate to defend yourself! You have the right to defend your own life!
*If confronted with an attacker who has a weapon, its up to each person whether or not to fight back. Every person is different and react differently. Some experts say 'yes, fight back' other say 'no, do not fight back'. Do anything you can to get out of the situation. If you are in a situation where you are abducted with or without a weapon involved, do what you can to ensure you have evidence against this person. For example, grab DNA: hair, skin samples, by way of scratching and biting. If a criminal has a weapon, such as a gun, the last thing they want is for you to draw any more attention to them and yourself. The very last thing they want to do is get caught. If you choose to draw attention to yourself by screaming, yelling, etc, run away in a zig zag pattern because its difficult to shoot a moving target. The chances of the criminal shooting in a crowded area are slim, especially if you are screaming and yelling for help. Often times a weapon is used to give the attacker control, and as a 'scare tactic' in order to get victims to submit to them. This doesn't mean they won't attempt to shoot you, it just means the chances of getting shot decrease with increased awareness and attention.
*Take some self-defense lessons. It never hurts to be prepared for the worst. This doesn't mean go out and beat every person up who you feel is a threat to you. What it does mean is if you are ever in a situation where you need to defend youself, you have these lessons and experience to fall back on. Now, once again, everyone reacts differently in confrontational situations. Even with self-defense lessons, some individuals just panic and freeze. These are emotional reactions which are individual to each person. Self-defense instruction can ease some of these issues because it provides people with confidence and helps provide reassurance that if confronted with a dangerous situation you know what to do and what not to do.
*Prepare, Plan, Practice! A company can have written policies and procedures, but if they aren't practiced and planned for they are worthless. The same goes for personal protection. Self-defense lessons help with this. The more you practice, the more comfortable you are with the techniques, and the more effective you will be if confronted with an attacker. It also helps to immediately react in a situation because its imbedded in your memory becoming a habit.
*Plan for the worst. Have a defense strategy in mind for different situations and scenarios, practice them, and let your family and friends know about them. Knowing how to react during an attack can save your life.
*DON'T walk with a personal music device and earphones blasting music in your ears. Yes, we all do it to help pass the time and motivate you, but its also dangersous. It puts you in your own little world, not hearing what is going on around you, or if someone is coming up behind you or driving up behind you
More personal safety tips!