Sometimes "mean streets" isn't just an
expression.
You owe it to yourself and those you care about
to stay alert, stay aware, and have a PLAN!
Safety on the Street
Women's Personal Safety Network
Because of the continuously evolving nature of crime as well as new techniques or
technology in crime prevention, be sure to check this page periodically for new or
updated tips.
Women's Safety
Information That's NOT
Just for Women Only!
  1. Be aware of the image you project and always walk assertively and with purpose.
  2. Reduce your vulnerability - never flash large sums of money or credit cards.
  3. If you carry a purse, hold it close to your body, preferably in front.  Do not dangle it from your
    shoulder or in a manner which makes it an attractive target to a thief.  Wearing the strap of
    the purse across your chest with the purse in front is preferable for safety.
  4. ATM machines - timing is important - when possible, limit use of automatic teller machines
    to daylight hours (and even then, use caution).  Avoid ATM machines which are out of the
    way.  Many malls have such machines inside the mall itself.  If you have to use one outside
    the mall, do not keep your back to traffic the entire time.  You can position yourself so that
    you can be looking around you during the transaction.  Try to schedule an ATM stop during
    a time which would usually have lots of people and activity going on.
  5. "Safety in numbers" - try to walk with a friend/co-worker when on the street.  But if this is not
    possible or practical, be alert and look assertive.
  6. Walk on the side of the street facing traffic, near the curb, to avoid passing close to
    shrubbery, doorways, and other places where an assailant may be hiding.
  7. Avoid walking in dark, isolated areas and unfamiliar areas, especially at night.
  8. If a car stops and its driver asks you for directions, avoid getting too close to the vehicle.  If
    someone in the vehicle harasses you or follows you, turn abruptly and run in the opposite
    direction, toward a location that is busy with people.
  9. If you think you are being followed, cross the street, vary your pace, and/or change
    directions.  If the person persists, go to an area of safety (a store, public building, etc.) and
    seek alternatives to continuing on alone.
  10. Try to be familiar with where you are and what resources are available in the event you feel
    threatened (I.e., 24 hour gas stations, fire stations, 7-11s, etc.)
  11. Always be alert and aware.  Be sensitive to your "sixth sense" (your gut feeling).  If
    someone or something strikes a chord of fear in you, change your direction toward a
    populated area and ask for help, such as an escort to wherever you are going.  If you
    cannot leave your location, scream, yell, or whistle, but remember, the time to attract
    attention and/or run is before you are attacked.
  12. If you have a personal attack alarm or pepper stray - be properly instructed on the proper
    use of the item and then carry it in your hand whenever you are on the street (you will not
    have time to dig for it in your purse or pocket) and be prepared to use it if feeling
    threatened*.
  13. If you detect danger, turn and look at the potential danger to evaluate whether in fact a
    dangerous situation exists.  If you do not like what you see, prepare yourself mentally and
    physically.  If you feel that you are in immediate physical danger, evaluate the possibility of
    running and be prepared to use the weapon (personal attack alarm or pepper spray) which
    should already be in your hand.*

*WPSN does not endorse the use of any weapons, except a personal attack alarm.  Some weapons can cause
unintential results or be used against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR SAFETY ON PUBLIC STREETS
For crime prevention tips,
click on one of these links.
Copyright© 2008 WPSN