Don't be a target-- All Women Please Read!

Ladies--

I took a amazing self defense class this weekend and learned so much! A lot of it I can't share- you have to physically take the course to learn, but some of it I can and will.

*Did you know that every 2 minutes somewhere in America, someone is assaulted? (2012 statistic)
*A rape is reported about once every six minutes in the U.S. (2001)

How can we change this? Prepare yourself to 1) not be a target and 2) if you become a target, defend yourself and escape.

There are several ways to reduce the risk of becoming a target:
1) Your home:
*Try walking around your home, at night or during the day- can you easily find a way in?
*Make sure your drapes or shades are always thick and pulled at night. This prevents a silhouetting                 effect to show someone who and where you are inside the house at night.
*Make sure if you have outdoor lights- use them! Keep them on so your neighbors can be your look               out, also so police can view your house and see any potential attacker.
*Make sure your shrubs and bushes are at least 6" below your window ledge so that there is no room             for someone to hide behind them.
*Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even on second floors. People can           be quite deceiving if they are trying to get in your home.
*Having a hide-a-key is very dangerous, most criminals know to look for these specific areas first in               order to get in- trust a neighbor, family member, or friend before leaving a key outside.
*When someone knocks on the door- verify who they really are before allowing them in.
*Always leave a light on, so you do not return home to a dark house.

2) Your vehicle:
*Always check your car before getting in, make sure no one is hiding in, under, or around your car.
*Once you're inside your vehicle, lock the door.
*Try to always back in when parking, so you are easily able to leave if need be.
*Always keep your key in hand when walking to car, your key could also be used as a weapon if                    needed.

The biggest thing I learned was to be completely aware of your surroundings... when walking alone always pay attention to those around you- their race, clothing color, something to describe them if you needed to. When driving, always know where you are if your car breaks down, or if you get lost you will have an idea to tell police to help you.

If you are completely aware of your surroundings- you are much more aware, so if an attack did happen you are more prepared. If someone attacks you YELL "NO" "STOP" as loud as you can, get someone's attention, cause a scene. And always give eye contact, if shows you have confidence and are less likely to be viewed as an easy target.

In our perfect heads, these situations would "never" happen to us, but realistically what if it did? Do you KNOW that as a woman there are so many tools you can learn to get out of nearly every situation? Are you confident you would survive? What if you are with your kids? These are questions you need to ask, and if you aren't sure-- take a class. This RAD class I took is offered all over the U.S. and in several other countries for FREE.

Just taking it, I learned so much about my own personal strength- my ability to think quickly on my feet, and my ability to safely get out of a dangerous situation if I ever needed to. All women should be able to experience that feeling. Contact your local police department and see what options are offered in your area, and as women-- let's put a stop to being the victim!

This video is on youtube- This is Anthony Furguson; he broke into over 600 homes in the Charlotte Area. It's called "Interview with a Burglar" and he tells you all the things he looked for before breaking in.

Click below:
Interview with a Burglar