The good part is the trend is for communities, especially college communities to be offering classes in self defense geared to women but certainly for anyone including young children. A young child that is taught a life saving move at 5 or 6 will remember it forever-if they PRACTICE,

Much of what you need to know is actually easier to learn from a training DVD.

The bad news is according to Bureau of Justice statistics 17 percent of women can expect to be raped in their lifetime. In 2004 for every 1000 people there is one rape or sexual assault, two assaults with injury and 2 robberies-that's a one in five chance that you are going to be next. And the rate continues to climb. It is especially high in college communities.

When an assault occurs most victims are, justifiably so, caught off guard, panic and don't think clearly. But with a little common sense and practice your survival instincts will kick in.

When confronted by a potential attacker or rapist:

1.TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.. If your gut tells you something is wrong don't be afraid to react.

2.MAKE NOISE.. Scream, yell, if you have a whistle use it, Try to attract as much attention as you can. The noise will eventually attract someone and in the process may deter the attacker.

3.STALL.. Time is on your side. Stall as long as you can. Tell your attacker you have STD's or AIDS. The longer you delay the better your chances. Don't show any fear, stay calm as long as you can.

4.GET ANGRY AND FIGHT BACK. This is not a garden party. Learn how to fight dirty. Gouge the eyes, hit and kick where it will do the most damage. Use whatever you have available as a weapon.

Additionally get used to being aware of your surroundings. Be leery of strangers asking directions, of sudden crowds around you, of a stranger approaching your car. Most of all trust your instincts-if your gut tells you something is wrong don't be afraid to react.

And lastly get used to always carrying some sort of personal defense device-a whistle, an alarm, a siren, mace pepper spray, stun gun or even a stick if you're out on a walk-anything that can help you MAKE NOISE, STALL, FIGHT BACK. Remember it's your life on the line-BE PREPARED-PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!