There are many ways to become a victim of a violent crime, but thankfully there are many, many more ways of avoiding violent crimes. Owning a good self defense weapon is a good start. Self defense weapons are very inexpensive and easy to use. Any number of personal alarms, stun guns or pepper sprays are a great way to fend off attackers. All of these products mentioned above work with the pull of a pin or the push of a button to make for very fast reaction time.?

One big way of avoiding violent crimes is to simply stay alert. Most attacks happen when you least expect it or when you are simply not paying attention. You should always try to stay one step ahead. Be aware of your surroundings, where you are going, and try not to go anywhere alone at night.?

There are many things to think about as far as staying safe and it is a major concern for many people. I want you to remember the following tips to help prevent these things from happening to you. Remember, there are a lot more issues at hand, but these are definately big ones.

Sexual Assault:

Use initials instead of first names on mailboxes and phone listings.

Avoid remaining alone in an apartment laundry room or parking garage.

Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are alone.

It is risky to accept a ride home from someone you have just met.

If you decide to physically resist assault, remember that your goal is to incapacitate the attacker long enough to run to safety and get help.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault, please remember to call the police immediately. Do not bathe or change clothes or you may destroy evidence.

Robbery:

Avoid carrying valuable items or large amounts of money

Always think ahead. For example, when traveling at night, have your keys ready to enter the house or to start the car.

If you are confronted by a robber, the best advice is to coorperate.

If you resist, there is a greater chance that you may be hurt.

ATM Bank Machines:

When using an automatic bank teller, always be watchful of any suspicious people around you. Please see my article on ATM Safety I have written for more in depth information regarding this topic.

The chances of being robbed at night are much greater, especially if you are alone.

If you find someone waiting and watching outside in the area of an ATM machine, do not use it. Leave the area and report the incident to the police immediately. You could save someone else from being a victim of crime.

Street Safety-Use Common Sense:

Stay in well-lighted areas. Avoid walking alone and avoid known trouble spots.

When you carry a purse, hold it close to your body rather than by the handles. Do not wrap your purse straps around your wrist, because you can get hurt in a struggle by doing this.

Carry only what you need in a purse or wallet, not everything that you have.

Avoid using shortcuts through dark alleys, fields, or vacant lots.

If you think you are being followed, cross the street and change directions a few times. Go quickly to a well-lighted place with lots of people. Do not go home. You do not want an attacker to know where you live.

Again, there are a lot of different types of crimes out there, violent or not, but if you follow these simple tips you will be better off than a lot of people. The biggest tip of all is to be alert. Be sure that you know what is around you at all times including people, hiding places, cars and even getaway areas. Always try to know what you are going to do ahead of time. Now, I know this may be hard to do, but try and think of some obvious situations that seem to occur a lot on the news and think about what you might do if you were in that circumstance. In sports you are always being told to "visualize the play before it comes to you." Well, this is kind of the same thing.

If you have kids, especially girls, be sure to keep them aware of everything and talk to them on what to do in case of an emergency. Be sure that they know not to talk to strangers and definately do not get in the car with somebody they do not know, no matter what they are told. It is better to be rude to a person that you do not know is aware of you and is actually there to help then to be kidnapped and turn the situation into something worse than it needs to be.

It never hurts to be too prepared. You will thank yourself when or if the time ever comes, and so will your loved ones.