Target-Women
By Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
The world is not a bad place, but there are bad people in the world.
This month we are going to discuss predators that target women. Ladies; regardless of age, ethnicity, social standing or any other factor; you should know that you are at risk.
Consider the following scenario: A woman leaves her home to attend to her daily activities, e.g.; work, school, grocery shopping or night out. Then, life is turned upside down! This situation is NOT isolated. It occurs regularly! And when it does, life is no longer the same. For some, they are lucky that life does go on; for some it does not.
A first response when this subject is discussed is the obvious solution of never leaving home. That is not a solution, and not practical. The next thought is to never leave home alone. That, also is not a viable solution. The only solution is to accept that there is danger in the world; and learn how to deal with it while living one’s life. Here how to start.
First. Raise your awareness level.
- When out and about, do not allow for distractions. Put the phone in your pocket or purse and don’t get it out until you are in a secure location.
- Keep your head up and looking around for suspicious actions by those around you.
- Be prepared as you approach your car, home, office or dorm. Have your key, fob or card in your hand ready to unlock, enter and relock the door. Once in your car, drive off; don’t sit there looking through your e-mail.
- Seek out security if a situation seems strange. (Listen to your inner self. If something doesn’t feel right, find an out. Make an excuse and leave, don’t worry about being polite.)
Second. Consider incorporating some of the following into your lifestyle.
- Inform someone trustworthy where you’re going, who you’re meeting, that person’s contact information; and have that trusted friend call you at a predetermined time as a safety check.
- Don’t leave with, or accept a ride with anyone you don’t know.
- Consider attending a Victim Proofing Woman’s class; and bring a friend.
- Consider attending a Rape-Aggression-Defense course, and bring a friend.
- Find a defensive tool that you can learn to use and take classes on how to use that tool. Defensive tools include: Kubatons, Mace, Pepper Spray, Tasers, Stun Guns and of course a Pistol. Each one requires training and practice, some require licensing and/or certification.
A more comprehensive list of crime prevention and safety tips are available at the Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3’s website: https://www.mcco3.org/safety-tips/
As you prepare for your day away from home, spend five minutes to gather the tools, both mental and physical, you may need to keep you safe throughout the day.
Saddle River Range is presenting a Victim Proofing Women’s program on Sunday, August 9th. You can find a link to the program here: https://saddleriverspring.com/training-schedules/
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office offers a RAD class that I recommend every woman attend. It’s an eight hour program that prepares a woman to handle herself in a bad situation. Learn more about their program at: http://www.mctxsheriff.org/residents/rape_aggression_defense_systems.php
There are various sources and programs that can prepare you to defend yourself if attacked; find something you like, something to which you can commit and make the effort to learn the skills to keep you and your family safe.
As mentioned above: The world is not a bad place; but we can’t ignore the dangers out there. We can prepare for them. And at Saddle River Range, we are here to help with programs and classes, as well as the tools that will fit your lifestyle.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe.
© Copyright 2020 Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
All rights reserved
