Prevention Tips - Avoid Assaults

Assault Prevention Tips:

While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the National Crime Prevention Council has established the following list of practices that may help safeguard individuals from becoming victims of assault:

• Stand tall and walk with confidence.
  
• Watch where you are going and what is going on around you.
  
• Walk along well-lit and busy streets.
  
• Walk with friends.
  
• Avoid shortcuts, dark alleys, deserted streets and wooded areas.
  
• Know your neighborhood.
  
• Identify police and fire stations, libraries, schools - as well as the hours of operation of local stores and restaurants.
  
• Don't carry more money than you will need for the day, but do carry emergency change for a telephone call.
  
• When you are out late at night, have a friend accompany you - don't go alone.
• Also, let someone know where you will be going and when you will return.
  
• Never hitchhike.
  
• When driving, always park in well-lit places and lock your doors.
  
• Before entering your vehicle, check for offenders hiding in the back seat or on the floor.
  
• If harassed or assaulted, scream and attempt to run to safety.
  

While these steps may do more to protect victims of assault by strangers, some are applicable to those assaulted by non-strangers. Finally, whether it is a stranger or non-stranger assault, it is important to report the incident to local law enforcement immediately. Crime prevention and awareness, as well as consistent reporting, may be the strongest defenses against becoming the victim of an assault.

It is my firm belief that awareness to potential assault situations is paramount in the process of prevention. It has been my experience that when confronted with possible assault/mugging situations that it has always been a surprise. One should always have their senses tuned razor sharp when living or working in areas with a high rate of violent crime. This is not to say that one should not be aware of their surroundings even in areas or situations that are more familiar. Excerpts from: The National Crime Prevention Council.