The following was curated for a Women’s Self-Defense class being hosted at the martial arts school I teach at. Please share with the women in your life.
1. Immediately Lock Doors Behind You (When getting home, in your car, AirBnb, etc.)—Make it a habit.
2. Never Sit In A Parked Car And Scroll (Social Media, Emails, Texts, etc)—A distracted person is an easy target.
3. Never Accept Food, Drinks, or Mints From A Rideshare Driver—No matter how trustworthy or untampered with they look.
4. When Out Running/Jogging/Walking—Don’t have both ear/air pods in. You need to hear what’s around you.
5. Never Open Your Door To Anybody You Don’t Know—Not even a claimed delivery driver/utility worker. Didn’t track it and not expecting it? Don’t answer.
6. Date Safety Text: Always text to a family member or friend that includes your date’s full name, phone number, picture of what they look like, location & time, and safe word/phrase that signals you need help.
7. Never Leave Your Drink Unattended—If it even leaves your line of vision, get a new one.
8. If You’re Ever Being Followed While Driving—Don’t go home. Make 3 right turns to confirm then call 911 & drive directly to a police station.
9. Never Say Any Of Your Personal Information Out Loud—Think: Doctor’s Offices, Pharmacies, etc. Hand them your ID or write it out on a note on your phone.
10. Never Tell Strangers You’re Alone. You’re not traveling alone, you don’t live alone, you’re not out alone, etc… ever. You’re always meeting somebody. Lie to survive.
The inner work is not just in reading… it’s in internalizing.