Since I am a martial artist too I will try to give some tips for you all to be able to defend yourselves or be prepared for aggressive encounters. I will update the thread as much as I can and I also invite you to do so

1. Don't think it cannot happen to you!

This would be the first advice I can give to you all. It might never happened to you, but it can surely happen one day. And the most attacks (sexual attacks mostly) come from PEOPLE YOU KNOW. Many times the raper is someone you know, a close friend or an aquaintance. Don't rely on the fact you know someone. Be alert at all times.

2. Don't walk at night alone.

Yeah, sure you'll say. I have to do this, I have to walk at night home from work. If you have to do so, try to be in a group. Another coleague or a group can be a good idea.

Don't try new routes. Try to get home ASAP on the route you know and it's LIGHTED. it's not the time for a nice romantic walk in the park alone. Don't do this or you're asking for trouble.

Don't walk close to vans or big cars. Yes, you might get drawn into one before you can realise it's happening to you.

Don't walk with a lazy/tired pace. Most of the attackers are predators: they look for weak victims. Having a sporty pace, showing strenght and speed might save your life. No predator wants to get into the trouble with a strong woman. if you can look like this, you might just not get "picked" by the prospective attacker.

Ramona, thank you for sharing it to us. It is a big help...really.
Your caring and concern is very much appreciated. I will follow everything you've said.

*hugs*

Self confidence and wise choices.. Don't see yourself as a victim, I am no one's victim. I am strong, powerful and wise.
Take Tae Kwon Do, it's builds your confidence, body strength and it's a lot of fun along with the hard work.
Most Martial arts schools teach self defense, you don't have to learn the marital art part as it takes years to be affective. Self defense can be learned and useful in a very short time.

Smiles,
Donna

thanks for those tips.

When I was in the mid shift, my work ends at around 10 pm, my office is in a business district so there's still lots of people but on the way to my house, its dark and few people on the street. As a precaution I used to carry pepper spray but I always wish that I wouldn't have to use it. The technique I guess is to pretend (or be) confident and don't scare yourself with ugly thoughts, it will only make you feel paranoid. Walk fast as you can and I seldom walk along with other girls or old women to have a "company"

I don't use my phone on the street, I prepare my bills so I don't have to take out my wallet and as we say to children don't talk to strangers

those are just some of the precaution that I used to do

Thanks for sharing the tips. Those are very useful to us.

I apply your suggestion in my general life,and i am getting more advantage from it. A lot of thanks to you.

helpful .... thanx

1 - Do not wear revealing clothing in public places. Doing so will ensure that you attract plenty of attention, including attention from those people with evil intent. Be discrete and leave provocative wear to those times when you can enjoy the intimacy of your partner.
2 - Trust your instincts. Women are very intuitive. If you think a situation might be dangerous then it probably is. That little guardian angel should be trusted rather than ignored.
3 - Rape and other sexual assault is always increasing. In the event of the worst outcome use your fingernails to gouge your attacker's cheek. It marks him for identification and you will have DNA under your nails.
4 - Drive your motor vehicle in a courteous manner. Nobody appreciates rude hand signs. Remember - eventually you have to stop, even if it is to refuel. Psycho cases might follow you for many miles "just to teach you a lesson" - all because you made yourself a target to their twisted minds.
5 - Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, taking mind altering drugs and leaving ANY food or drink unattended where it may be tampered with is a recipe for disaster. Give your self an even chance.
6 - NEVER pick up hitch-hikers and ABSOLUTELY NEVER hitch-hike yourself.
7 - If you live alone make sure that all your mail is addressed by just your first initial followed by your surname. Never allow mail to be addressed to you with salutations like Miss, Mrs, Ms or with your christian or given name. Those letters and parcels pass many eyes before they get to you. Change them. Make them nondescript as to your sex and marital status. Why allow anybody even one extra shred of information about you?
8 - NEVER walk alone at night or at any time in isolated areas. Predators love these locations. Avoid them.
9 - Many sexual acts are committed by people who the victims knew - or, at least, thought they knew! Be friendly and polite by all means but be vigilant for tell-tale signs of "strange" behavior. Do NOT flirt. Be firm about any unwanted attention, particularly in the work place.
10 - Sexual attack is usually preceded by some visual sign, which is usually preceded by some verbal approach before the physical action. Recognize the sequence: the look - the talk - the attack..
------------------------
gwen

Guaranteed ROI