From domestic violence to date rape, from attacks in a car park to rapes on University campuses around the country, it is becoming obvious women are at risk of becoming victims of predators wherever they are. Recent figures indicate that every 2 and a-half minutes, someone in the States is sexually attacked. While these numbers show a frightening increase in the incidence of violence against women, what is more disturbing is that 39 % of rapes in 2002 went unreported reportedly due to humiliation, fear, or shock.

“Take Back the Night” events are well meaning, feel good events that typically occur on college campuses where an extraordinarily big number of sexual attacks happen. The focus of these events is to increase perception of the problem. I believe that although knowing about the problem is the first step, there have to be other follow up steps to make sure that potential victims are able to protect themselves from either physical or sexual attack.

According to Bureau of Justice statistical data seventeen percent of women can expect to be raped in their lifetime. In 2004 for each thousand persons, there was one rape or sexual attack, 2 attacks with injury and two robberies-that’s a one in 5 possibility that you’re going to be next. This is because when an attack happens most victims are caught off guard, panic and do not think clearly.

Attacks can be thwarted with a little common sense and practice. As a practical matter you practice for the many things, from studying, playing an instrument, sports, walk through for a marriage, to memorizing the alphabet, why shouldn’t you practice some survival techniques that might save your life?

Form chat groups with buddies or family members on some basic survival systems and plans of action and over a brief period of time practice these skills to develop good reflex reactions. So that rather than reacting with pure total fear when faced with a real critical situation, survival instincts kick in.

Here are some concepts to kick around with your mates at a “practice” session.

When challenged by a potential assailant or rapist: Scream as loud as you can or if you’ve got a whistle use it, attempt to attract as much attention as you can. The noise will eventually attract somebody and deter the assailant.

Buy time by telling your assailant that your friends are coming or that you have STD’s or AIDS. Time is on your side during these situations the more you delay the better your possibility of getting away or being discovered. Don’t show any fear, stay calm as long as you can.

Lastly, get angry. Nobody has the right to hurt you and you should do everything you can to make sure nobody does so you have to fight back. Hit vulnerable spots by gouging the eyes, hit and kick where it’ll do the most damage like the knees or groin. Punch the neck and use whatever you have available as a weapon. In addition become used to being mindful of your environment. Be leery of strangers asking directions, of sudden crowds around you, of a stranger approaching your car. Most of all trust your instincts-if your gut tells you something is wrong don’t be scared to react.

Remember it’s your life on the line; try to stay calm, think, plan, be prepared and practice.