Safety tips for women

Eve Carson was the University of North Carolina student body president, a pre-med student beloved by many in the college. She was her high school valedictorian and student body president, and she participated in community service projects frequently in college, including as a tutor.

She had a job offer as a marketing consultant for when she graduated in May, but she wished to take a year off to travel and see the world.

All of this was cut short, however, as she was found dead, having been shot several times.

Also, just a day beforehand, 18-year-old Auburn University freshman Lauren A. Burk was found shot by her car next to a highway.

While there are strong leads in Burk's case, there have been no suspects in both of the killings.

Is this a coincidence?

Both women were beautiful, with their whole lives ahead of them, still in college but caught alone.

As a female college student myself, this is a sign to me that I can't be safe alone, even in a car. I feel that I should read about these stories and try to use them to my advantage; hopefully I might avoid as much tragedy as possible.

I can also use these stories to tell to my friends, as well as other Hubpages users. I've met plenty of other female college users of this Web site, and I find this information so valuable that it should be spread to as many other women as possible.

Here are some facts and tips that I received in an e-mail that may also help:

1) Hairstyle: Attackers often target people with hair that can be grabbed easily, like a ponytail or longer hair.

2) Clothing: Anything that looks easy to take off can be something an attacker looks for. They may have scissors or other tools to help remove it more quickly.

3) Cell phones: It may seem like it's better to pretend like you're on a phone so you can call for help, but attackers will look for people distracted looking through purses or something so they can be attacked more easily.

4) Morning: Attackers are more likely to make their move between 5 and 8 a.m.

5) Parking: Women are attacked or abducted most often from grocery store parking lots, as well as parking garages and even public restrooms!

Facts

• Keep in mind of your location, as attackers just want to take their victims somewhere more secluded. Be aware of your surroundings.

• Two percent of attackers say they carry weapons, as rape with a weapon means a longer sentence than rape alone.
• Attackers don't want to deal with a victim who puts up a fight any longer than a minute or two; it's not worth it. Even yelling can deter an attacker, so don't be afraid to show you're not afraid of them! Let them know you have something to attack them with, like pepper spray.
• People with longer objects like umbrellas are less likely to be attacked. Keys are not because one would still have to be close in order to wield them effectively.
• If you think someone is going to attack you, look them in the face and make small talk. Make them realize you can identify them.

Tips

• Pinching someone in the inner elbow or armpit hurts! Try to use this if necessary.
• You can always go for the crotch...
• Bendind the first two fingers backwards is a powerful move.
• Go with your instincts.
• The elbow is the strongest part of your body.
• If an attacker wants your wallet or purse or something, toss it away from you because he or she is probably more interested in it than you... then run!
• If you end up in a car trunk, kick out the tail lights and wave your arm or leg.
• Don't sit in your car idly eating or writing. Lock your doors and drive as soon as you get in.
• Try not to park next to van or other larger vehicles.
• If you get in your car and someone puts a gun to your head, don't drive where they want, but drive into smething hard, then run.
• Go for the elevator rather than stairs, where it would be hard to get help or run.
• Always try to run if an attacker has a gun. It is said that they will hit you four in a hundred times, and it is likely to not be a vital organ. And don't run in a straight line!
• Don't get caught being too sympathetic and falling for a trap, like a supposedly injured man.