H.I.T. Self Defense

We are at that time of year, again. Summer is over and the kids are on their way back to school. Here are a few safety tips to utilize while on or off campus. Remember, the college campus is a perfect environment for predators, so let’s go over some of the basics (for some of you out there - this is a refresher course):

A. Be aware of your environment: be especially careful in enclosed spaces (i.e. parking garages, etc.). Also, be extra careful at night. The more alert you appear the less attractive you are to a potential predator. This means that you want to stay off the phone, no texting, no iPod until you get to your car or to your destination. If a stranger does walk up to you, first and foremost, keep your ’survival space’ - usually 8-10 feet. You want to give yourself enough space to react if the situation turns out to be an attack. Also, carry some pepper spray with you - and have that pepper spray ready if you need to thwart a potential attack. Empower yourself and be ready for any situation.

B. Alcohol and parties: I know college is a time to let loose and tip a few back when you’re not in the library studying. Statistics show that ‘Acquaintance’ rape is much more prevalent than ‘Stranger’ rape (something like 87% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knew). If you plan to go out and tie one on - have a sober backup (friend) to watch your back. Just like a sober driver, your sober party goer is there to protect you. They will watch your back and step in if you or someone else acts inappropriately in a party or club situation. I told a story a few months back about a young woman who was approached by detectives that wanted to I.D. her from a video they found in a serial rapist’s possession. The girl had no idea the attack ever took place. In the video, she apparently tried to fight back but was under the influence of a date rape drug and passed out while the assault took place. Which brings us to one final note on the subject: don’t accept a drink from a stranger… order or pour your own.

C. Outdoor exercise: Just like enclosed places, be alert out there… NO earphones from the iPod. I know how tempting it is to run or walk with your favorite music playing. Remember that you limit your ability to hear someone if they approach you from behind. I am a runner and find myself approaching women while they’re walking or running on a trail close to my house. Women who don’t have earphones in usually look behind them when I’m still a good distance away. More often than not, women who are listening to music become startled when I run by them - even when I try to give them an alert that I’ll be passing them on the left or right - the music is too loud for them to hear my warning. Again, think like a predator - who are you going to attack…. someone who is listening to music, not paying attention, or someone who is alert of their surroundings?

Have a fun and safe year at school.

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