About 20% of reported assaults take place on a public street, in a parking lot, or in a park. More than 90% of these assaults involved the victim being ambushed or jumped. Ninety percent of the victims also reported that their assailants were strangers. Most of the street assaults occurred at night. The way a woman carries herself when walking down the street indicates to an observer what she thinks of herself. Awareness of what is going on around her, of who is on the street, and of areas that may be potential hiding places for someone, is very much a part of a positive approach to preventing sexual assault. Walk with confidence - project an image of being sure of yourself. An attacker looks for someone who appears vulnerable. Avoid walking alone at night. If you have to do so, do not walk near parked cars or close to doorways or shrubbery.
Sometimes it is even safer to walk in the street rather than on the sidewalk. Remember that there is safety in numbers. Avoid dimly lit streets and stay out of alleys. Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible and never use little traveled shortcuts. Walk facing traffic carrying your purse or briefcase on the side farthest from the curb. Be careful when people stop you for directions. Always reply from a distance, and never get too close to the car. If someone drops you off near your home, have him or her wait until you are safely in the house before they leave. Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your vehicle or home. If you're being followed, speed up, slow down, or change direction then go into an occupied store for help. Don't run home unless help is there. If you are in trouble, attract help any way you can. Scream, yell for help, yell "FIRE", "NO", "STOP" or break a window in a house where you think someone is home. Women should carry a shriek alarm, whistle, or other noisemaker and should sound it loudly if you feel you're in danger. Remember; don't drop your guard because you are walking in an area that is familiar to you. Exercise care at all times. Walk away from crime rather than into it!
When jogging, don't run alone; try to go with a group of two or more. Stay out of known high crime areas and places where muggers are likely to congregate, such as public parks. Choose routes in advance that are safe and well populated and vary your route and schedule. Avoid jogging and biking at night. Know businesses that are open and locations of police and fire stations. Consider not wearing your stereo headphones - they block out too much sound and it's safer to be alert. Don't wear expensive jewelry or watches that will attract a mugger's attention. Carry your identification but not your wallet. Make sure you carry enough change so that you can use a pay phone if you run into trouble. Be alert. Watch for any unusual or suspicious persons or activity around you when you run.
Be wary of strange joggers who suddenly show up during your runs. Just because they may be wearing jogging clothes doesn't mean they're automatically okay. Always run facing oncoming traffic. If confronted don't try fighting - run away as fast as you can and don't stop until you've reached a safe place. If unable to escape don't argue with a mugger - just give him what he wants. Your life is worth more than a watch or some cash. If you become a victim or see a suspicious person always call the police and make a report.
