Outdoor Safety Tips for Women:
SPOTTING DANGER
Situational awareness is your first line of defense. By recognizing "pre-attack indicators," you can escape a threat before it ever turns physical.
In Oakland, CA, a kidnapper parked his car at the curb as if it were disabled. When his first victim walked past, he punched her and shoved her into the back seat. A male witness intervened, giving her time to escape through a rear window. His second victim faced a gun to the chest at a bus stop. The attacker put his arm around her and tried to casually guide her toward his car. She dropped to the ground, kicked, and ran - escaping while he fled.
See Defensive-Ground-Kicks at Fighting Options - Strategies and especially, Child Safety Tips: Kidnapping Escape for kids and teens and adults.
Signs for Spotting Danger
Kelly McCann, former U.S. Marine Corps Special Forces officer now of Team Crucible Security in Virginia says to watch for:
► Behavioral Shifts - Any sudden change in pace or demeanor as they approach you.
► Hidden Hands - A hand tucked away or motionless while walking is unnatural.
► Mirroring - If he stops and goes when you do.
► Challenges you: “What did you say?” “What are you looking at?” designed to start a conflict.
► The “Sandwich” - two people approaching from different directions.
Watch for distant people as they come near. Many criminals "telegraph" their intentions, such as crossing the street to intercept you, and quickly looking around for any witnesses. Watch for groups that split up to encircle you. Run toward safety while yelling for the police.
Females commit approximately 20% of violent crimes (per the FBI). So evaluate ALL strangers by their behavior and red flags.
How To Help Solve A Crime
If you’re a victim or an eyewitness:
► During the crime, notice clothing and hair, though they can be changed. Especially notice things a criminal can’t change, such his lips, teeth, eyes, nose, and walk.
► Afterward, write down a description to fix your thoughts before you talk to anyone.
► Insist on open-ended questions from police interviewers. Don’t allow visual aids like photos or logs of facial components if you’re questioned for a composite sketch.
► Tape-record your police interviews to ensure that you’re not misquoted. You have the right to obtain the written police reports to compare with your tape.
See After Being Attacked – Immediately Call the Police in Victims Options - Fighting.
Spotting Suspicious Activity in Public Spaces
Possible warning signs if mass shooters or a general criminal targets a public place:
► Someone returns often.
► Photographing or note-taking.
► Pumping you for information.
► Leaving a possible bomb – any package or vehicle – near a possible target, such as a main building or crowds of people.
If you see something suspicious:
► Quickly move away.
► Remember descriptions – especially a car’s license plate number.
► Notify the police IMMEDIATELY!
Enhancing Your Outdoor Safety Options
Deter a predator by carrying a Personal Security Alarm (screamer or noisemaker) & Pepper Spray in plain sight. Those pages show you how to most effectively use them when spotting danger. Also see Facing Danger.
NOTICE: This non-profit website is for informational purposes only and is drawn from the bibliography and USDOJ. Use the information at your own risk. See disclaimers.
Crime-Safety-Security > Outdoor Safety Overview > Spotting Danger
