ORLANDO, FL (Ivanhoe Newswire) — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and that’s why we are going to share some pretty terrifying statistics. Street Smart
Over half of all women become a victim of sexual violence during their lifetime. One in four women has been the target of a rapist. And women are more likely to fall victim to cybercrimes than men. So, what can you do to protect yourself?
“I was attacked three times,” said Laura Frombach.
When Laura Frombach was first attacked in a laundromat, she froze.
Frombach says, “He had me around the neck. And that did not have a good outcome.”
The next time she knew what to do.
“I punched both of those attackers in the throat full on in the windpipe.”
Frombach, a technologist, and retired Deputy Sheriff Joy Farrow are on a mission to help other women learn to live defensively.
“Your politeness can be very dangerous,” said Farrow.
After 28 years of working in law enforcement Farrow says women need to learn to be rude.
“There have been numerous cases where predators have just knocked on the door just to see if somebody’s going to open the door. And women are just that friendly.” explains Farrow.
Farrow tells women to trust their instincts.
Dawn and dusk are the most dangerous times for women.
“Predators know that they’re going to have their headphones in and they’re going to be running along by themselves,” said Frombach.
Wear your headphones in transparency mode so you can hear what’s going on around you. Also, don’t overshare your location. And two things every woman should have handy…
“Bear spray is really helpful. It’s a pepper spray that shoots in a stream about 30 feet,” explains Frombach.
And carry a tactical pen. It’s a pen on one end and a sharp point on the other.
Frombach says, “You can jab it into their hand, jab it into their neck, jab it into their face.”
Most importantly …
“Always fight back. Always fight back,” says Farrow.
Farrow and Frombach say you can have a safety strategy and be aware of what’s going on around you without living in fear. Know how to protect yourself and don’t put yourself in dangerous situations. You can find their book, ‘Street Smart Safety for Women’ on Amazon.
Free weekly e-mail on Medical Breakthroughs from Ivanhoe. To sign up: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor, Matt Goldschmidt, Photographer
Source:
