How to Create a Personal Safety Plan

The best weapons against an assailant are knowledge and a plan. The website www.aardvarc.org (An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid And Resource Collection) contains a printable safety plan for domestic violence situations. A similar plan can be adapted to include multiple violent attacks.

The crux of protecting yourself from violent situations can be broken down into three key pieces. You must be aware of the potential for violence, create and practice a safety plan and acquaint yourself with basic self-defense strategies. This article will address how to make a safety plan. For more information on awareness and to see a video on self-defense see my other content.

Before you make a plan you need to know for what you're preparing. Different states have different crimes. Check your state police website or the FBI Uniform Crime Reports to learn the frequency and types of crimes reported in your corner of the world. Learn the type of crime for which you are most vulnerable and build your safety plan around it.

To begin creating your plan, make a list of all the places you go. List everything regardless of how trivial. Then think about the time, days and frequencies you are in these places. Now visualize, or better yet, physically go to, these places and look all around for places criminals may lurk. Look at shrubs, building design, secluded areas, etc. Then think about someone attacking you from each possible place. How will you get away? If you scream will others be able to hear? Consider every angle regardless of how far-fetched it seems. The 9/11 Commission report stated that the events of September 11, 2001, were the result of America's lack of imagination. Don't make that same mistake with your personal safety.

When in unfamiliar places, locate and walk every exit. The last thing you want is to be in a dangerous situation and find out the stairwell you are in doesn't have an outside door Plan for more than one escape route for all areas. For example, while in a hotel you should know where all the exits are on the floor your room is on, as well as the lobby, pool area, vending machines, courtyards, etc.

Plan for your family. Distracted parents are an easy target. Nothing gets a woman more cooperative than a threat to the lives of her children. If age appropriate, share your safety plan with your kids and help them prepare one. Everyone should know what to do the moment the threat is perceived and respond immediately. Younger children significantly impact your safety plan because they are completely dependant upon you. Make your plan specific to your children.

People mistakenly think that once home it's safe. The reality is you are still at risk from domestic altercations inside and stranger attacks outside. Which is why you must repeat the entire planning strategy for each room in your house. Write your plan down, review it regularly and practice frequently. Plan to be attacked and pray that you never are.

Sources

http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/plan.shtml
http://www.womensweb.ca/violence/rape/protect.php
http://www.criminalwatch.com/stats/default.asp