Violence/Abuse

Reduce your risks of being a victim

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Trust your instincts – if a situation feels uncomfortable – take the safest exit.
• Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't know or trust.
• Don’t enter an elevator with a stranger.
• Lock all car doors, especially when traveling alone.
• Request a security escort to your car – don’t hesitate and don’t apologize!
• Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship, and clearly state your limits.

• Make sure all doors and windows have sturdy, well-installed locks, deadbolts and/or chains. Use them!
• Don’t give out spare keys!
• If you leave car keys with your mechanic, tire shop, valet, etc. – remove your house keys!
• Install a wide-angle peephole in the door.
• Keep entrances well lighted.
• Never open your door to strangers.
• Get telephone caller identification, especially if you have problem callers or live alone.
• If someone requests that you make an emergency call - have them wait outside.
• Check the ID of sales or service people before letting them in (slip the business card or other ID under the door or through the mail slot.
• Make verification by telephone with their company whenever you think it is prudent.
• Avoid isolated areas - apartment laundry rooms, underground garages, parking lots, offices after business hours.
• Walk with a friend, co-worker, or security guard, particularly at night.
• Know your neighbors, so you have someone to call or go to if you're scared.
• If you come home and see a door or window open, or broken, don't go in. Call the police from a public phone or neighbor's home.

• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night.
• Plan your activities in well-traveled, well-lighted areas.
• Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
• Avoid requests from strangers for directions, help finding things, etc.
• If someone approaches you quickly or moves too close – advise them to back off. Be stern and deliberate. Don’t apologize and don’t worry about their feelings.
• Do not enter an elevator with a stranger.
• If you drop off your car for mechanic or valet service – remember to remove your house keys and cell phone.
• Have your keys in hand as you approach the door of your home, car, or office.
• If you think you're being followed while on foot, change direction and head for the police station, fire station, hospital emergency room, open stores, restaurants, theaters, or a lighted house.
• Carry a cellular phone with you – access the emergency numbers whenever necessary.

• Park in areas that will be well-lighted and high traffic.
• Always lock your car - when you in it and when you’re not.
• Don’t keep a magnetic spare key case in a predictable spot or at all.
• Keep the interior car lights in good working order. Change a bulb whenever necessary.
• Look around your car and in the back seat before you get in.
• If you think you're being followed while driving, change direction and head for the police station, fire station, hospital emergency room, open stores, restaurants, theaters, or a lighted house.
• If your car breaks down, pull to the side (in a well lighted area if possible). Lock the doors, and turn on your flashers.
• Keep a cellular phone in the car for emergencies. It’s worth it!
• If an unmarked police car and plain clothes police come to your aid. Crack your window and request an uniformed officer. No law enforcement professional will be offended that you are concerned for your safety.
• Don't hitchhike.
• Don't pick up a hitchhiker.