The most critical issues facing many women in today’s society are violence and aggression. In the United States a woman is assaulted or raped every six seconds. There is evidence that every day from 1500 to 1800 women are raped in the US alone, with many others not being reported. The Department of Justice gives us these shocking statistics: Approximately 54% of the women raped were 18 years or younger, 22% were 12 years old, while 13% were 12 to 17 years of age, with two thirds of these assaults committed by persons known to the victim.

As a martial arts instructor I believe that a woman (of any age) should fight back. The damnable idea that a woman shouldn’t resist a forcible rape because she may be more severely beaten or injured for resisting is pure foolishness. Rape is a crime of violence ladies. It is motivated primarily by desire to control, dominate, or humiliate another person more than the desire for sex alone. So martial arts training offer’s a woman both the self‐defense skills and more importantly the confidence to take a stance against such confrontations, by building a strong mind and equally strong body. The true intention of any program however (as there are no guarantees) is to stop a conflict before it happens through avoidance and prevention. There are times however when even the most peaceful individual may find herself in a situation from which there is no possible retreat. When placed in position of harms way remember the ABC’s of self‐defense. Alert-Beware-Caution.

Always stay alert. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are. Think about possible escape routes in case of a confrontation.
Take notice of who is ahead of you and who is behind you. Know where the nearest public sites are with some general activity - there is usually safety in numbers.
When in doubt, follow your intuition and avoid potential trouble. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but head in a different direction.
Steer clear of parked cars, bushes, dark areas at night.
Walk or run against traffic so that you can observe the approach of automobiles.
If the same car cruises past you more than once, take down even a partial license number and make it obvious that you are aware of its presence (but keep your distance).

YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM.  Make it clear with body language and awareness that you are not an easy target. 

Try to get a partner. (Force Multipliers (teammates).

Chances of being attacked in a group are almost ZERO.  Chances of being attacked with any partner, regardless of size, are decreased by 90% or more.   A dog is also a huge factor in reducing the number of attacks.

Do not wear a radio/headset/earphones or anything that distracts you so that you are completely aware of your environment.

If someone can get within arm’s reach of you without detection, the battle may already be lost. 

Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and lonely trails - and especially avoid unlighted routes at night.

Odds of being attacked are tremendously diminished in areas where there is likely to be a witness or any kind of traffic.

If you have go out for a walk or run, it is far better to do so before sunrise than after sunset.  Far fewer crimes are committed between 5-7 am than late at night. 

Stick to familiar areas, note the location of homes which are easily accessible and that you might trust along your route. Know where police are usually to be found and where businesses, stores, offices are likely to be open and active.

In the morning, many of the dry cleaners may be open, in addition to grocery stores.  Late in the evening, perhaps fast food is a good emergency stop. 

Consider taking a noisemaker, wear bright, reflective clothing.

Anything that might attract attention to you if you are attacked is to your advantage. Leave word with someone or write down where you plan to go and when you will return.  Carry ID with you at all times.  Take change for a phone call or take a cell phone with you.

Some attackers plan their attacks, some react to an opportunity.  By varying your route, you have reduced your number of potential attackers.

Be smart!

Rape by the numbers…..

*10.6 % of women reported being raped by strangers.

*24.9% by acquaintances.

*30% by steady dates

*21% by casual dates

*8.9% by family members.

*76% were victims of “date rape”