Identifying Six Common Ways Women Can Avoid Being Victims of Crime

Women self defence is an important topic as women are often the most targeted for crime. While women may bemoan the terms "the weaker sex," it is basically true and male attackers will take advantage of this fact. Therefore, there are quite a few things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of a crime. Most advice is common sense but it does bear repeating to ensure that you do not let your guard down when out and about conducting your business or pleasure.

1. Be Aware of your Surroundings - It is very important that you are cognizant of the environment around you, whether you are in a new part of town or an area that you have frequented for years. Do not become complacent just because you have never had a problem before. Always be diligent, trying to identify potential problems. When alone, do not walk and talk on your cell phone as this draws your attention away from possible dangers. Also, do not park your car if you see any suspicious-looking people hanging around and do not park next to a van or other vehicle that has people just sitting in them as they could be waiting for someone unsuspecting to grab and rob or worse.
2. Be Confident and Self-Aware - Always walk with your head held high and make eye contact with people. If a potential attacker believes you will be able to identify them later, they are less likely to attack. Criminals want women who appear timid, someone who will likely not fight them or cause problems.
3. Rely on your Instincts - Women's intuition may have no scientific evidence to truly support it, but, relying on it has helped many women avoid problem situations. Trust your instincts. If you feel funny about entering the parking garage for your car, seek out a security guard as your escort. When you see someone lingering near your car and are not sure if you should head there, don't. Whenever you get that hinky feeling - it's that gut, neck or back tingling sensation that something is not quite right - pay attention. It is always better to be safe and inconvenienced than sorry later on.
4. Have an Escape Plan - Whenever you go anywhere or do anything, always scope out the exits and come up with a plan should you need to escape. This same scenario applies for home as well. Inform your family of possible escape exits in the home and your companions if you are out and about. And when you are cornered, be ready to employ whatever weapons and self defense tactics you have in your personal arsenal.
5. Be Vocal and Make Eye Contact - When you are in a potentially dangerous situation such as being followed or approached by someone you feel may hurt you, be vocal and make eye contact. Ask what they want in a loud voice and look them in the eye. The eye contact, as mentioned above in #2 is important because criminals do not want the victim to identify them and will likely pass you up. If you have misjudged a situation, it is always better to be a bit embarrassed and perceived as rude rather than beat-up or killed and left in a ditch somewhere.
6. Do Not Rely on Weapons to Save You - There are stun guns, tasers, pepper spray and more that can be great self defense tools but they should not be relied on to save you in a dangerous situation. Learning self defence moves is a better investment, particularly if you are not comfortable operating the self defence devices. They could be used against you.

There are many things you can do and should be aware of in a women self defence situation. However, it should not take a criminal act against you to inspire you to get self defence training and education. Start now before you become another statistic.

With increased attention to crime rates and violence against women, women self defense has become an important topic when it comes to discussing the safety of women. More and more people have armed themselves with their own stash of self-defense weapons. If you're interested in the latest and most effective self-defense weapons for women, here is just a sampling of what is currently available on the self defense market.

• Pepper spray continues its reign of the self defense market

One of the most lasting self-defense items on the self women defense market is good old pepper spray. The mace pepper gun continues to be an effective, easy and inexpensive tool that can be used for personal impoundment and self defense and all sorts of situations. Most of these pepper guns are small and easy to hold and carry. Most pepper guns can be used several times, with an average life span of twenty bursts. Most mace pepper guns can be used on the attackers located up to 25 ft. away. Many people prefer to carry these sprays because they are not lethal, although they are very effective. Pepper gun sprays, in general, cause the attackers eyes' to burn and disables them at least temporarily. There have been many improvements in pepper spray in recent years. Of course, in order for pepper spray to be truly effective, you have to make sure that you carry it on hand at all times. There is also even a cute new mace pepper spray product that can help keep women safe. It doubles as a lip gloss and comes gracefully packaged in a bright holder.

• Haven of security with a camera system

Are you concerned about keeping your home, your property and yourself safe from predators? If so, you may very well want to consider installing a complete camera system around your home. There many affordable security system packages that can help you keep your property safe. Most of these packages include a camera, LCD monitor and all the cables and components that you need to keep your security system up and running. A complete security system could help you keep your home safe, and that means you'll also be safe while at in your home. This is an easy way to keep track of what is happening around your house when you are away.

• Becoming your own protector with a martial arts DVD

There are many DVDs that you can play and watch at home that can help you protect yourself. With so many martial arts and instructional fighting DVDs, you will be sure to find something that can help you hone your self defense skills. Your ability to protect yourself while at home and away is key to your overall safety. Make sure that you can keep an eye on your property when you are away.

• Carry with you a personal alarm at all times

One of the simplest and most practical ways to stay safe is to carry personal alarm. Many companies have their own version of a personal alarm. In most cases, personal alarms system will include an emergency flasher, a flashlight and some kind of sonic alert component. A personal alarm should be small, personal and portable. Look for a personal alarm that is easy to carry. For instance, a personal alarm that can connect to your key ring is a good idea. A personal alarm should ideally include a component for all senses. A flashing light will get attention from a distance, and a whistle or a long, sound will be sure to catch someone's attention.