Safety in a
Crowd
Women's Personal Safety Network
Women's Safety Information That's NOT Just for Women Only!
Do any of these sound familiar?

  • You see a man just standing in the parking lot as you exit the store or mall.
  • You did not realize that it was late when you left work -  it is dark outside and you are alone.
  • Your car breaks down along the side of the road.
  • You are not sure if you should leave the bedroom window open - only a few inches.
  • You are debating with your spouse about installing a screen/storm door - it will distract from
    the beauty of the new front doors!
  • You are getting ready for that big trip and you do not know who should know you will be away.
  • You do not see the need for a cell phone or a home alarm system.
  • You are walking down a street alone and see a group of men ahead.

Each of the situations above impacts your personal safety.  And the only person you can depend on
to insure your own personal safety is yourself.  Your responses to the scenarios above, and many,
many more such scenarios, can reduce your risk of victimization.  What are you going to do in
response to any of these situations?  What do you know about reducing your risk of becoming a
crime victim?  To help you in your response, you first need to know the following:

  1. That "Uh, Oh" Feeling - the one weapon we all have is the "Uh, Oh" feeling, better known as
    your gut reaction.  No one can take this weapon from you and it is a very powerful weapon.  
    Listen to it.  Do not let anyone else tell you that you are "just being paranoid" or "just being
    silly."  It could be the difference between life and death or serious injury.   
  2. What's the PLAN? - this is the "what if" response.  Think about the various situations that
    may confront you and rehearse the "what if" response over and over in your mind.  The
    intention here is that should such situations occur, you already have in your mind what you
    will do and, therefore, you do it!  This may sound like one of those "easier said than done"
    statements, but it will at least put into your mind a reaction, one you would not have if not for
    the PLAN.
  3. Who attacks?  Who gets attacked? - the days when we thought we knew who gets sexually
    assaulted (out late at night, wearing provocative clothing, etc.) are long gone and they were
    myths anyway.  The days when we told ourselves that the bad guy jumps out of the bushes
    and looks sinister are long gone as well and they, too, were myths.  Anyone can be sexually
    assaulted, from as young as 2 to as old as 92.   This assault can occur at any time of the day
    or night, in any kind of location you can think of.  The perpetrator of these crimes can look like
    that sweet boy next door or that wonderful boss for whom you work.  There is no one
    description of a victim nor is there any one description of a perpetrator.  When you realize
    this, you will have taken a very large step to developing the listening skills for that "Uh, Oh"
    feeling and creating the PLAN that could save your life or the life of someone you care about.


But I do not want to be fearful!
Taking measures to improve your personal safety does not make you afraid.  On the contrary, it gives
you the freedom and peace of mind to live your life knowing that you are doing whatever you can to
reduce the risk of victimization.

On this website you will find:

  • General information about crime prevention and issues relating to violence against women.
  • The opportunity to read the editor's opinion on various issues as well as the opinions of
    others.
  • Crime Prevention Tips on all aspects of our lives.
  • Information that will help you better evaluate the relationship you are in.
  • Helpful links to sites that can provide you with additional information or tools to reduce your
    risk of being victimized.

Your comments are welcome.  Please click on "Contact WPSN" to email comments, questions, and
experiences.  Your emails will provide very helpful information as this website continues to evolve.  
We want to know what is important to you.  WPSN looks forward to hearing from you.

To read the crime prevention tips to help you reduce your risk of being victimized, click on "Prevention
Tips" in the navigation bar in the header or just click on the picture links to the right.
Do you ever fear for your safety?
Are you afraid to go to that event because of where it is?  
Do you avoid attending events because of where you have to park?
For crime prevention tips,
click on one of these links.
Copyright© 2008 WPSN