Repairing The Broken Heart
Life After Trauma
By Mira Cassidy
Pay attention! According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the largest organization in the nation that fights sexual violence, “1 out of 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.” Have you thought about ways to increase your safety and wellness? Let’s consider some tips.
Walk with your head up!
Some women tend to consciously or subconsciously stare at their feet when they walk daily. Break this habit! You need to be alert to sketchy individuals or behaviors. It’s a good idea to turn around and look at what’s taking place behind you when walk. Be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t lend out your cell phone!
An individual may claim that they are waiting on a ride so something similar and ask to use your phone to place a call. Beware! If this person obtains your phone number that can use the reverse lookup application and find your address.
Keep your doors locked!
Always lock your doors when you are driving. Before you put on your seat belt or place your key in the ignition, make it a habit to lock your doors first. If someone comes to your window be sure to only crack it slightly. Don’t roll your window down completely, allowing yourself to be unprotected.
Carry Pepper Spray!
Pepper spray is a wonderful defense. However, there are things to keep in mind before you place it in your purse or on your keyring. Not all pepper sprays are effective. According to the Chicago Tribune article, “The Best Pepper Spray,” SABRE RED Police-Strength Pepper Gel is the best to have. A major key component is that this spray won’t blow back on you and the contents remains effective for at least four years.
Take a Self-Defense Course!
Sadly, you never know what can happened. In an instance you can be attacked, allowing you only 60 seconds to survive or not. By taking a self-defense course you’ll learn combinations that will get you out of choke holds, understand knock out points, kick effectively, strike forcefully, and much more.
“Criminals are attuned to cues of vulnerability…especially murderers are looking for people who will be easy to control. Even rape is motivated less by sex and more by the desire for control and power,” (Psychology Today, “Marked for Mayhem). Try to keep yourself out of harm’s way. Avoid going out late at night alone or being in secluded areas with no onlookers Attackers are observant. Even clean cut and nicely dressed individuals can be harmful. Trust your instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, follow that feeling. Put measures in place to keep yourself safe and healthy.
