Violent crime is increasing in alarming proportions throughout America and the release of Safety and Security expert Steve Kovacs’ electronic book--Protect Yourself: The Simple Keys Women Need to be Safe and Secure, is timely for those who prefer quick access to their informational needs. Kovacs’ book had already been available in a hard copy format; however, an immediate downloadable e-book version has just been implemented (www.womenprotectyourself.com).

Kovacs reports violent crime has been soaring across the country and women’s security issues, which have always been a special concern anyway, have also risen dramatically.

Kovacs, a former police supervisor who has been inducted into The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and The International Kick-Boxing Hall of Fame reports violent crime had been at unprecedented low levels for many years. However, in 2006, crime rates from coast to coast have been rising, drastically. Police in many areas find themselves scrambling to find ways to slow down the rising tide of violent crime.

Kovacs states that combinations of factors are causing the recent surge. Lower governmental funding for programs and police hiring is a cause, however, not the only reason, as many believe. Another major factor is young people commit most crimes and for many years the U.S. has been low in this age group, however, that is not the case now. Additionally, many people who have been incarcerated for committing crimes in years past are being released and are getting back to their old lifestyle.

It is also important to note some cities across America have astoundingly low high-school graduation rates--where only between 30 and 50 percent of students graduate. This leaves thousands of young people with a low self-image, tons of time on their hands and the need for money. Intertwined, is the abuse of drugs and alcohol by some of these youngsters to numb what they feel is a sad and bitter existence. Drugs and alcohol twists thought processes and in turn we see more violent crime.

There is also the undeniable fact that starting from a very young age, children are raised with violence being all around them. Movies, video games and music cheapens, glorifies, and in a round-about way shows children that violence is really no big deal, quite acceptable and is a viable answer to frustrations.

Additionally, economic reasons play a role in violent crime, even though most experts do not consider it a major factor in 2006’s spikes.

Consequently, the reasons behind the United States’ violent crime increases are multi- faceted. Most of the reasons are social problems that are ever-changing and which unquestionably must be addressed as they arise. However, in the interim, law-abiding men, women and children have the right to live a calm, safe and secure life. Protect Yourself: The Simple Keys Women Need to Be Safe and Secure strives to show how women can take control of their safety no matter how high or low crime rates may be, emphasizing realistic strategies women can always utilize.