Safety for Women Stand Up to Violence

Overview

Every 15 minutes in Missouri, a murder, rape, robbery, or assault occurs. Many of these crimes are against women. Educating yourself and taking steps to avoid or minimize danger could help prevent becoming a victim.

In Your Home

Even in the comfort of your own home, you may find yourself vulnerable to burglary, robbery, and sexual attack. The home can be fortified to make it more secure. There are steps you can take to make your home a safe place, day or night.

• Be aware of strangers in your neighborhood or people who come to the door requesting help or to use your telephone. They may be checking to see if you are home alone.
• Have your home phone listed in your last name and first initial only. A woman should not advertise that she lives alone — instead of “Miss Mary Smith” on the mailbox, use “M. Smith.”
• Keep your home well-lit, especially entrances and exits.
• Use an answering machine or voicemail to screen calls.
• Notify your home security system provider when you are away.
• Use timers on your lights to give the appearance that someone is home.

On the Street

The best rule a woman can follow is to never walk alone at night. If you must be out alone, be alert for anyone who might be driving toward you. Carry a whistle or chemical spray (check your local ordinances). If confronted, try to stay calm. Walk with confidence, with your head up, and look around. You will seem less like an easy target.

• Vary the route and time of your walk. This is another good preventative measure. Hopefully, don’t walk on the same side of the street at the same time.
• Be watching your walking habits, and avoid establishing a routine.
• If confronted, scream or yell. Attract attention if possible, especially after dark. There is safety in numbers.
• Be aware of a stranger in a vehicle offering to give you a ride.
• Stay away from areas that are not well-lit. Stay away from these areas even if it means taking the long way home.

In Your Car

• Lock your doors and keep windows rolled up.
• Check the back seat of your car before entering.
• Avoid the curb lane; keep doors locked.
• Don’t get out of your car in an emergency stop. Drive to the closest open business, fire station, or police station.
• Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
• If your car breaks down, stay inside. Tie a white cloth to the antenna or place it where visible. If you are stranded, lock your car and wait. Drop the car visor to indicate you need help.
• If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer and you are suspicious, activate your flashers and drive to the nearest well-lit area before stopping. In a remote location, be sure to see an officer’s identification and a badge.

Safety Do’s and Don’ts

Additional Safety Tips

• Unwanted persons having access to your home address can be prevented by having a P.O. Box. Never put your home address and phone number on your luggage tags.
• Be careful when allowing others to use your cell phone. Keep confidential information secure.
• Always try to take care of your banking business during daylight hours. If you must use an ATM at night, park in a well-lighted area, lock all doors and keep all windows up, and check the area for anything suspicious before leaving your car. Consider asking a friend to accompany you to the ATM.
• When staying in a hotel, never give your room number to a stranger. If you think someone suspicious overheard your room number, ask the front desk to assign a new room.
• Never let anyone you do not know into your room. Lock your valuables in the hotel safe.

Emergency Information

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