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SAFETY AT HOME

  • Install effective locks on all doors and windows-and USE them.
  • Install a peephole viewer in your door, NEVER open you door without knowing who is on the other side. Require sales-people or repair people to show identification.
  • If living alone, use only last name and initials on mailboxes and telephone directories.
  • If strangers telephone or come to your door, don’t admit that you are alone.
  • Don’t let any stranger into your home-no matter what the reason or how dire the emergency. Offer to make an emergency phone call while they wait outside.
  • In an apartment, avoid being alone in the laundry room or garage especially at night.
  • If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, DON’T GO IN!! Call 911

DON’T WALK INTO DANGER

  • Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you-especially if you are alone or it is dark. Know where help may be if you should need it.
  • Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
  • Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
  • Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic. A rapist looks for someone who appears vulnerable.
  • Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where rapists can hide.
  • If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to lights and people. If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk on the other side of the street.
  • If you are in danger, scream and run or yell “fire”.

CAR SAFETY

  • Keep your car in good working order and the gas tank at least half full.
  • Always lock you car doors after entering or leaving your car.
  • Park in well-lighted areas.
  • Approaching your car, have keys in hand, check the back seat area before entering.
  • If your car breaks down, turn on flashers, open the hood, attach a white cloth to the antenna and wait inside with the doors locked.  Call law enforcement or tow truck.

IF YOU ARE ATTACKED…

  • Remember, your main concern must always be YOUR SAFETY. No one can tell you whether you should fight back, submit or resist. IT DEPENDS ON YOU AND THE SITUATION.
  • Keep assessing the situation as it is happening. If one strategy doesn’t work, try another. Possible options are: negotiating, stalling for time, distracting the assailant and fleeing to a safe place, verbal assertiveness, screaming to attract attention or physical resistance. Your best defense, however, is to BE PREPARED-know your options ahead of time. Your safety may depend upon your ability to stay cool and calm.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF RAPE

  • Go to a safe place immediately and call your local law enforcement agency, a rape crisis center, doctor, friend or relative. The sooner you make the report, the greater the chances the attacker will be caught.
  • Do not wash, douche, change clothes or clean up in any way until after talking to law enforcement and going to the hospital. You could destroy valuable evidence for court use.
  • Remember, you are the victim. You have nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about. You may want to contact a treatment or crisis center to help you deal with the consequences of the assault.

Contact me at:

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505 Gahagan Rd.

Summerville, SC 29485