Stay Safe while Walking City Streets - Coffee with Alain Jan 28, 2023

Coffee with Alain discussing safety strategies for when you, or your high school or college age student, are walking city streets or across campus. Learn how to stay safe when out and about.

According to the studies done by Betty Grayson and Morris Stein, predators almost universally chose their victims based on their level of awareness and body language. Essentially, you want to be aware of your surroundings, aware of yourself, and project yourself as a hard target, one predators don't want to mess with.

According to Grayson and Stein, these are some signs of weakness, which makes a person more attractive to a predator:

1. Short, shuffling strides when walking
2. Not swinging arms in proportion with stride
3. Exaggerated side-to-side movement when walking
4. Head facing downward when walking

These are some signs that project someone the predator doesn't want to mess with because riskier for the criminal:

1. Medium to long stride when walking
2. Arms swinging in proportion to stride
3. Body upright in vertical alignment
4. Strong, determined, walking pattern
5. Head level and eyes visible

You want your posture and stride to make you look like someone who would be difficult to subdue or who would put up a fight. Be a Hard Target!

Another important consideration is to minimize distractions so you can be more aware of what is going on. Put the cell phone away and don't use headphones. Calling someone when you walk to make you feel more comfortable is not the best option. What can that person do? You are better off putting the phone away and being aware, and if you want something for reassurance, have something in your hand that you can defend yourself with, such as Reflex Protect or another defensive tool. 

If you carry a tool for defending yourself, make sure you know how to use the tool (Practice and training are important!) Make sure the tool is accessible. It will do you no good in the bottom of your purse or backpack if you need it immediately. Have it in your hand or easily accessible. 

A few more safety tips:

• Travel with Friends, not alone if possible
• Use Campus Escorts, Security, or Police if available to escort you rather than walking alone if uncomfortable
• Use a taxi or ride-share service if uncomfortable walking
• Walk in well-lit populated areas
• Don't take "short cuts" through less desirable areas
• Know your routes
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive or return
• Walk with a purpose
• Maintain safe space between you and people around you
• Know your personal boundaries
• Be willing to enforce boundaries
• Set boundaries and don't be afraid of being rude
• Be assertive and not aggressive when setting boundaries
• Don't be afraid to make eye contact
• Don't be afraid to speak up
• NEVER get into a stranger's vehicle
• Run away or fight back immediately and get to safety
• Yell and run toward lights, noise, people...
• Minimize visibility of valuables
• Leave valuables at home
• Report incidents and predators to law enforcement. Provide them as much detail as possible.