Somewhere in North America, a woman is sexually assaulted every 2 minutes. Statistics show one in every four Canadian woman will be sexually assaulted during her lifetime. And Statistics Canada show that women are physically injured 11% of sexual assaults (Statistics Canada, “The Violence Against Women Survey,” The Daily, November 1993). Moreover, the effects of sexual assaults on the mental health of victims are just as serious as the physical injuries sustained in the attack.
What can a woman do to prevent it? The following are some tips any woman can follow to prevent becoming another rape victim.
IN YOUR HOME
Many women are raped in the privacy of their homes. Contrary to the popular belief, attacks or rapes are committed by individuals who are known to the victims. Women may be raped by boyfriend, trusted friend, or an acquaintance. Still, we must take precautions to ensure safety in your home. The following are several “common sense” tips which you might consider.
-make sure there are strong locks on your doors and windows.
-avoid door locks which are complicated to open. Remember the longer you are outside your door, the greater the risk.
-do not let strangers into your home or apartment for any reason.
-do not trust anyone just because the person looks nice. Rapists can be anyone – a policeman in disguised or men in three piece suits, etc.
IF YOU ARE OUT ALONE
Some would be attackers may use a variety of ploys or excuses in order to lure their intended victim into an unfamiliar or dangerous situation. Therefore, being mentally ready and prepared for these following situations may help you prevent being a victim of rape.
-if you are out walking alone and someone pulls up in a car to ask for directions, do not approach the vehicle. Stay on the sidewalk, keep walking and give directions from there.
-if a man gets out of his vehicle and approaches you, keep moving away from him. The further you are from him and his vehicle, the more difficult it will be for him to drag you into his vehicle.
-If a man approach you claiming to be ill and ask that you take him home or to a hospital, do not offer to drive him anywhere or invite him into your house or apartment. Instead suggest that you place a call for help on his behalf.
-Always, keep your distance from any strangers!
IN YOUR CAR
Attacks occur as women are either approaching or leaving their vehicle. These are particularly vulnerable times for a woman and merit special precautions.
-always lock your car doors when you leave your car and when you get back into it.
-as you approach your car from a distance, look around and under your car as well just to be sure before you enter your vehicle.
-have your key ready so you do not stand outside your vehicle looking for your keys in your purse.
-always check the back seat of your vehicle before you enter it.
-if you have a car problem, raise the car hood and go back to your car and lock the doors. Call someone you know or wait for a patrol officer to offer you assistance. Under no circumstances should you hitchhike for help.
-try to park in well-lighted, populated parking areas.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
The message is to live your life fully, but still take some precautions. Here are some ‘tips.’
-if you are dating, try to learn something about a new date before you go out with the person.
-you may want to suggest that the first date or two be on your terms. Arrange to meet with him at a party or public area. Again, get know and take your time to know the person.
-try to avoid routine or predictable behavior. For instance, if every morning you leave your home at 10:00 am to do your errands, you may want to change or vary your schedules from time to time.
CARRYING WEAPONS
Some would argue that if you carry a weapon, your weapon might be used against you. On the other hand, others would argue that carrying a weapon is a good deterrent to rape or attack. As it stands no clear case can be made for either side of the argument. What it comes down to is your personal decision or choice to carry or not to carry a weapon (whatever the weapon is, e.g. a knife).
As a weapons instructor specializing in the Filipino Martial Arts, my advise is if you choose to carry a weapon, please be aware of these precautions:
-first of all, do your research. Make sure that you are in compliance with the local laws.
-familiarize yourself with the use of the weapon so that it can be used effectively and not increase your vulnerability.
-some women are known to carry a whistle which can scare off a would-be attacker.
-some women carry a spray in their purse.
-many are enrolling in self-defense classes.
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
One way to equip yourself is to take self-defense or martial arts lessons. Most martial arts have self-defense training included in their systems. This approach can help women defend themselves. According to many self-defense instructors and martial artists, “active resistance” strategies such as fighting back, screaming or yelling are generally more effective than the “passive” strategies like crying, begging, or pleading.
Be advised that some martial arts are effective than others when it comes to self-defense. Some are geared for sports others for self-defense or health and wellness. Please do your research. Talk and asks the instructors questions before joining.
Also, many self-defense techniques are useless against a knife or a hand gun. Also, martial arts skills are acquired through long hours of practice. You may be no safer if, a year after your self-defense class, you can no longer do what your were taught!
About the Author:
Guro Ramon Villardo is a Toronto, Canada based Filipino martial arts instructor and a journalist. He is also the Regional Director of Bakbakan International, Toronto, Canada, Chapter (a martial arts fraternity specializing in the development and promotion of the “Warrior Arts of the Philippines”-Arnis/Kali/Eskrima). He is currently the weapons instructor at UMMA.
He is available for seminar/workshops .
Rev. Mr. Ramon Villardo is also an ordained permanent deacon.
Copyright © 2010 UMMA/Bakbakan International, Toronto, Canada, Ramon Villardo
