Fear of Crime
The chances of a woman being attacked on a street may be compared
with the odds of winning the pools - there's virtually no chance of it
happening to you, but you still fill in the coupon and imagine
spending the money. It is therefore wise to "complete the
coupon" by taking sensible precautions. A separate Fact Sheet
deals with the precautions
you should take if driving alone. Of course, a lot of people don't
have a car and therefore consider themselves vulnerable to an attack.
Even if you're a 20 stone fellow who gets mistaken for Arnold
Schwarzenegger, still read on - it applies to you!
The victim ?
Recently in America, studies were done on what sort of woman becomes
a victim in the street to an act of sexual assault or robbery
(basically, theft using violence). Surprisingly, in most instances it
wasn't the "Madonna" look-a-like, but more often the timid
and shy "Mavis Riley" type. People who had an air of
self-confidence and walked with purpose were not chosen by the
offenders questioned.
Transport
Whereas the chances of an attack are still low in most areas, one
incident is one too many and so if you find yourself trying to get
home alone late at night take precautions. It is always sensible to
arrange a lift home with a friend, husband, or that universally free
transport service "Dad's Taxi".
If you have to call the more traditional type of taxi, try to
always use the same firm where possible. Don't get a private hire taxi
(they look like a normal car) unless you've booked the car first -
apart from anything else only the traditional taxis are insured to ply
for hire.
On public transport, try to sit near the driver, avoiding an empty
upper deck on buses and vacant compartments on trains.
Walking
If there's no choice left but to walk alone at night, take the
advice your Mum gave you when you were small. Walk in the centre of
the pavement, avoiding short cuts through dimly lit deserted areas.
It is wiser to walk facing the oncoming traffic to avoid the
surprise of a vehicle approaching from behind. It's also very
difficult for a motorist to pester you as he drives alongside, if he
has to do it in reverse!
Keeping your shoulder bag with the flap facing into you and the
strap over your arm and head, rather than just an arm, could reduce
the chances of being accosted by a bag snatcher.
Be Brave
If you suspect you're being followed, then cross the street several
times if necessary. If it continues, walk to the busiest place you can
find or knock on somebody's door. If you're brave enough, turn and
face the suspect and shout in your best authoritative voice "Are
you following me?!"
Like all crime, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Taking sensible precautions to improve your quality of life, not
compromise it, will dramatically reduce any chance of attack
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