Unfortunately, becoming a victim of sexual assault is a very real possibility in our society. Statistics say that as many as one in four women will be a victim at one point in their life. However, studies have also shown that women who have had some type of self defense training have only a 1 in 25 chance of being assaulted. This is because women who have some type of defensive or avoidance training tend to be more cognizant of warning signs, they avoid areas where trouble is likely, and they project confidence. In short, they don't make themselves an easy target and therefore, a potential attacker will bypass that women and look for easier prey. So, most sexual attacks can be stopped before they begin, without any physical confrontation at all. Follow these steps to avoid becoming a victim. bopsass

How you present yourself

Be careful about how you dress. Wearing flashy jewelry or revealing clothing will attract attention, especially if you are alone. The point isn't to completely refrain from wearing any clothing like this, just consider where you'll be going, the time of day, what kind of neighborhood you're in, and whether you will be traveling with trusted friends or alone. sexual assault tauranga

Many sexual assaults are committed by someone who the victim knew. It's important for you to set the tone and dictate to others how you expect them to treat you. Let others know acceptable and unacceptable ways of treating you. It's OK to be friendly and polite but at the first sign of unacceptable behavior, be firm and make it very clear what your boundaries and guidelines are.

Also, your body language is important. It's important to understand what messages you are sending to others. Attackers will choose their victim based on who they feel will be an easy target. Make yourself appear confidant and walk with a sense of purpose. Keep your head up and maintain eye contact to keep from appearing timid. The main thing is to avoid looking like a helpless victim, or easy prey. sexually assaulted Tauranga

Be aware of your surroundings

Always be aware of your surroundings, including any people lingering nearby. This means be aware of and identify possible places where you are vulnerable and an attacker can hide and surprise you. Bushes, large vehicles, trash dumpsters or behind buildings. Avoid these areas whenever possible, if not then be vigilant and ready. Choose a path that puts either obstacles or distance between you and an attacker.

Also, avoid talking on your cell phone while walking to and from your vehicle. This tells a potential attacker that you are preoccupied and not paying attention to your surroundings. Even though you may feel safer because you are talking to someone, it's a distraction and it makes you a target. sexually assaulted hamilton

Trust your instincts

Women are very intuitive, so trust your intuition, don't ignore it. There is no penalty for being overly cautious, but the consequences for being careless can be devastating. If you feel a situation might be unsafe then it probably is. Learn to recognize the messages that your body is sending you; goose bumps, heightened heart rate, or just a strange feeling that something isn't quite right. Don't allow yourself to feel "silly" or "paranoid". If you feel uncomfortable about a situation listen to your intuition, it's one of your most powerful self defense mechanisms that you have. Never be afraid of offending someone because you choose to walk on the opposite side of the street or waited for the next elevator. Trust your gut and go with it.