How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

 

Violent crimes are down in North America. You would be hard pressed to know that by watching the nightly news or reading a newspaper. People are afraid and they don't know what to do with their fear. 

Violent crime is down because the aging Baby Boomers are the majority of the population and do not commit as many violent crimes as they might once have. This fact is cold comfort to those who experience violence because they are seen as "victims" long before an attack. This book is about not looking like a victim and provides specific strategies to taking control over your 'space.'

Awareness of the surrounding area and people's activities around you are the most important aspect of assault prevention. To help prevent or minimize your chances of being involved in an assault situation this book asks you to:

THINK about potentially dangerous situations. Imagine yourself, and/or your family, in different kinds of situations and ask yourself "What would I do if...?" Your imagination should include situations in your home, at work, using public transit, travel scenarios, and vacations away from home.

TALK about these situations with your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors. Compare and contrast solutions.

PLAN how you might react using your verbal and non-verbal skills plus any physical techniques you feel comfortable using (e.g., strong kick to the shins and then getting away). Take a self-defense program and then teach other family members or take a course together.

PRACTISE so that your mental reflexes are conditioned to respond rapidly and effectively. Your reaction time should be similar to how you would react if a child ran in front of your car.

Crimes are committed against vulnerable people; not against prepared people. Your body language, safety precautions at home and work, and the ability of your family to protect itself will tell you if you are vulnerable.

This short book can help you ensure that you and your family are not vulnerable. Enjoy learning them and keep in mind that different situations require different degrees of preparation. This resource is designed to help you determine your response before situations arise just as you would instinctively know what to do if a child ran in front of your car.

64 pages, 5 x 8 inches, ISBN 1-55307-019-4, $12 eBook, $15 paperback

Table of Contents

Memory Aids

Content Guide

Memory Map

Introduction

Self-Protection Tips

Awareness

Home Safety

When Leaving on Vacation

Child Safety

Street Safety

Assault Situations

Physical Self-Defense

"Will I Panic?"

Home Safety Checklist

Identity Game

Test Your Awareness

Summary

Self-Evaluation

Resources

Test Yourself

ARE YOU PREPARED? Answer the following questions to see whether or not this book can help you.

Test Your Awareness

Answers to the following questions are included in this resource. Have fun!

1. There are four key elements to personal safety. The first two are "Think" and "Talk". What are the other two? What do they all mean?

2. When walking by yourself or with other people, what is the most important thing to remember?

3. When walking, should you always carry the key you are going to use next? Why?

4. Which side of the road or sidewalk should you walk on -- the one facing traffic or on the other side? Why?

5. What should you do if you are asked for information or money on the street?

6. What is the proper way to carry a purse/briefcase or camera case?

7. What should you do if you feel someone is following you?

8. When should you lock your car doors?

9. Should you ever hitchhike? Why?

10. What should you do if someone unexpected comes to your door?

11. What safety precautions should you take when using public transportation?

12. Why should you have locks and windows on your outside doors and windows?

13. What should you do in response to obscene phone calls?

14. What should you do if you see/suspect a prowler outside your home or the home of a neighbor?

15. When giving police a description of someone, what basic features should you include?

16. What are at least five tips you can pass along to your children, your family and your friends?