The Tips for Survive a Kidnapping

Anyone may be kidnapped or have a member of their family kidnapped. Unfortunately, most people don't know how to deal with kidnappers or how to survive the ordeal if they themselves are kidnapped or taken hostage.
This is the steps
1. There's a simple procedure for dealing with kidnappers: forget everything you've ever seen in the movies and go to the authorities for help. (They don't do that in the movies or novels because it makes the plot too simple.) In real life, the experts know how to deal with kidnappers and can track them down. The authorities can get the kidnap victim back if it is possible to do so IF you contact them right away at the first sign of trouble.
2. If you're in the US, contact the local police (they'll know where to go from there) and if you're in a foreign country, contact your embassy.
3. If you are in danger of being kidnapped, you should be cautious about being in areas where you are unprotected and vulnerable. Don't jog on roads or in a park (unless you can afford a body guard); avoid being on the streets by yourself. Get your exercise in a private area and only drive whenever possible.
4. Any threatening phone calls or letters should be reported to the police even if they appear to be a hoax. Even if the person who is harassing you is only perpetrating a hoax, he should be caught and punished. Many such hoaxes are often unstable and may become dangerous if they aren't helped. Kidnappers and killers of well-known people have a history of mental problems and often have made numerous threats before actually carrying one of them out. Often family members of a kidnapping victim only learn of a kidnapping when the criminal calls to make his demands. If this happens to you or your family, it is essential that the person answering the phone learn as much as possible. Any clue may speed up the rescue of the kidnap victim. The person answering the phone must pay careful attention and take notes immediately before they forget any details (having a note pad by the phone is a good idea).
5. Let the kidnappers know about any special medical conditions. If the victim of the kidnapping has any special medical conditions, be sure the kidnappers know about them (it may be impossible to convey this information, but try).
6. Do not demand to talk to the person that has been kidnapped. That's Hollywood again. You may succeed in getting a family member beat up while you listen. Trying to force the criminal to do something when he's keyed up is a good way to create more problems. Stay calm, get as many details as possible, and don't make any threats or promises.
7. After the criminal has finished calling, get in touch with the police. After they have been contacted, try to reach the family member that the caller said was kidnapped. You may find that the call is a hoax or there might have been a foul-up that prevented the family member from being kidnapped.
* If you are able to reach the family member, he or she must take measures to get into a safe area since the kidnappers may have made an error in timing and might still attempt the kidnapping. Calling the family member may give them a warning and time to thwart the soon-to-be-attempted crime.
* Shortly after being contacted, the police will arrive at your home to ask an array of questions which will aid them in saving your family member from harm. Again, remain calm and try to answer their questions to the best of your ability.
1. When speaking to the police in your home, exclude any servants, maids, etc., from the discussion (probably the police will do this, but if not, then try to do so yourself).
* If the hired help has seen suspicious persons, etc., the less the hired help hears in the way of other's descriptions, the less likely they are to have their memory of what they've seen changed and influenced. Any descriptions they have will be more valuable to the police.
* Too, the less each of the people who work for you knows about the police plans, the better. since it is remotely possible that one of the hired hands may be working in concert with the kidnappers. Keep any "inside" criminal involved in the kidnapping from sitting in on the plans being made by you and the police.
8. In hostage and kidnap situations, time is on the side of the victim. The longer a victim remains alive, the better his chances of surviving the ordeal (provided negotiations don't break down). The first few minutes are often the deciding factor.
9. Chances of surviving are improved if the victim engages the kidnappers in small talk, etc. This will cause the criminals to see the victim as a person rather than a thing. Later on, this will make it harder for them to kill the victim if things get down to that. Getting on a talking basis could save the victim's life.
10. Kidnapping victims should forget the tough-guy Hollywood acts they've seen and avoid antagonizing criminals; needling them will only make things worse and may ruin a chance to escape later on. Better to act the part of the "slave" rather than to go into a Dirty Harry routine.
11. The kidnapping victim should keep track of what is going on, what the kidnappers are doing, what they call themselves, how many of them there are, etc. This information may be needed to help in the victim's escape or to later identify the kidnappers.
12. The kidnapping victim should not tell the criminals their demands can't be met (nor should those who speak to the criminals during the initial phone call). Telling them that may make them panic and kill their victim!
13. While the victim should act passive, he should be careful that he doesn't pass up a chance to escape if it presents itself. Usually after the initial first hours of the kidnapping the criminals will become careless if the victim has shown no signs of trying to escape. Unless the kidnapping victim is in immediate danger, he should bide his time and wait for a slip-up among the criminals and then use the opportunity to escape.
14. Victims of a kidnapping sometimes start identifying with the criminals after being around them for a while. Work to combat this bonding if you are a victim of a kidnapping.
15. If you and/or your family work with the police, you should be able to get a family member back unharmed and capture the criminals as well.
16. Sometimes a hostage situation will occur during a crime or a terrorist attack. Though the chances of this happening to a person are very, very remote, it doesn't hurt to know what to do.
17. Your chances of surviving the ordeal are excellent provided you survive the first hours of the situation.
18. You may find that you are having to keep the hostage takers calm if you are a hostage. Again, being a "tough guy" is a good way to get killed in a hostage situation. Stay calm, don't make trouble, and let the authorities bring in the people who are trained to deal with terrorists. If you can just keep a hostage taker from doing anything crazy the first few minutes of the situation, you can probably survive it.
19. You should try to remain a part of the group that is being held hostage. Don't stick out or you may be singled out. If you have a lot of money or are famous, don't let the hostagetaker know it or he'll try to use you for a bargaining chip.
1. Sometimes hostages overpowered the criminals involved. This is certainly admirable, but also quite dangerous. If you are going to try such a self-rescue, be sure that you know how many criminals there are and be sure you can overpower them. Things could get a little tense if you try to overpower them and fail. Unless you are in danger of being killed momentarily, it is usually better not to try to overwhelm a group of terrorists.
20. If the hostage takers start making threats on the lives of the hostages or acting in a bizarre manner, you should start thinking about ways to run for freedom and try to keep as far as possible from the members of the terrorist group. This will help keep you from "being there" if a terrorist vents his anger and will also keep you out of the line of fire if the authorities come in shooting or have a sniper end the situation.
21. If a rescue is attempted, hit the floor unless the authorities instruct you to do otherwise. Don't try to pick up a criminal's weapon or pull out one of your own if you have one concealed on your person. Doing so will get you killed; teams trained to rescue hostages have to operate by reflex. Anti-terrorist teams are trained to shoot anyone with a weapon without trying to otherwise identify them. You'll be mistaken for one of the criminals and will undoubtedly be shot if you're standing there with a weapon.
22. You can survive being a hostage or kidnap victim IF you are careful and know exactly what to do.

Some tips
* Children need to be taught to be cautious and to be a little suspicious of strangers (care must be taken, of course, not to turn your child into a paranoid). The goal of most parents is to get their child to be outgoing and friendly with strangers; this can be a big mistake. Teach your child to be careful.
* If they're small, don't let children play in the yard where you can't watch them and be sure the bedrooms for each of your family members are well out of an area where a person could easily break into it (having your bedrooms on the second story of a house makes a lot of sense).
* The rich are more apt to suffer from a kidnapping which is designed to generate a ransom. If you are rich or famous, then the chances are better than average that you or a member of your family may be a kidnap victim.
* Keep a low profile and don't let newspapers, magazines, or TV crews get pictures of you or family members (such pictures make it easy for would-be kidnappers to identify you).
* On the job, you should be careful not to have your name displayed on reserved parking areas and you should try to vary your schedule and route that you take to and from work.
* There is a chance that if you just pretend you are weak and don't do much the kidnappers will be more careless and that will give you at least a chance to escape.
* When the SWAT/ETF/SRU/ETU team arrives stay moderately hidden because it will hide you from the hostage takers and will keep you visible to the rescuers.


Remember!!!!
* Too many parents leave children alone in the house or in an automobile. While this practice was relatively safe ten years ago, it no longer is.
* Care should be taken when picking out baby sitters; a baby sitter has a lot of responsibility. You should consider things other than the cost of the sitter when you're hiring someone to look after a child. Older children are not always good baby sitters; find out about a baby sitter BEFORE you leave your children with them.
* Some parents seem to be trying to have their children kidnapped. The children wander or play along the streets totally unsupervised. Don't allow children to go to questionable areas of the town or city you're in, and be sure they are always supervised when outside.

The Way to Stop People From Following You

Getting annoyed at a stalker, whether it's a real one or not? Here's how to stop the situation.
This is The Steps
1. Ignore the person. If he does not get your attention, he might just get bored and go away. Most stalkers tend to only seek attention.
2. Get to a place that you know but he doesn't, so that you can easily lose him. This can be another town, mall, etc.
3. Find a place to hide, like a bush, behind a bin or a car; they will probably get freaked out if you disappear and they only hear dead silence. Turn the predator into the prey, no, do not stalk him/her!
4. If you feel threatened, call the police and whisper loud enough so they can hear you. Wait to do anything until the police come.

this is the tips
* Don't stalk the other person, they can call the police and you look like the guilty one.
* When you hide, hide good. Don't stand on the other side of a telephone pole.
* If you want to creep them out, look at them wide-eyed very blanky, then breathe deeply. This sends the most fearless person, fearful!

Remember!!!
* Don't think about attacking the person; you will likely get into serious trouble.

Walk Safely at Night

Steps you can take to improve your safety when walking at night.
this ih the steps
1. Be inconspicuous when walking or cycling at night-time.
2. Wear clothing that would not draw attention to yourself unless cycling. When cycling at night reflective clothing and lights are necessary in order to be visible to automobile traffic.
3. Stick to well-lit and heavily traveled streets, such as town centers.
4. Walk or cycle without hesitation. If you look confident you are less likely to attract unwanted attention.
5. Have a little bottle of pepper spray or some kind of defense weapon with you and be able to access it easily.

Some tips
* Do not walk with your CD player, Walkman, or mp3 player playing. If you absolutely must listen to your music, turn it to a low volume so that you can listen for footsteps behind you. Also consider playing it in one ear, leaving the other one free to listen.
* If possible tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
* Keep your mobile phone switched on and within easy reach in case of emergencies.

Remember!!!

* Stay out of the road at night.
* Walk safely off the road and clear of any traffic.
* Avoid deserted parks and alleyways; even if this means taking a longer, but safer, route home.
* Use your neck like an owl would. Always check your surroundings for danger as you walk at night.
* Do not walk or cycle whilst chatting to a friend on your mobile phone. You must keep your wits about you.
* Check the policy for your country/state before buying pepper spray, since it is illegal in some places.
* Don't cycle at night when drunk, or even in daytime, your reactions are considerably slower under the influence.
* Many people, despite believing they can, can't hear someone sneaking behind them when listening to music
* Wearing anything on your ears makes you a more likely target, as a predator is likely to think you will be easy to sneak up on.
* If you do use a self defense weapon, make sure that you have been trained to use it.

Protect Yourself from Someone Who Wants Revenge

Okay, you've made somebody mad at some point. We all have. Some people let it roll off their shoulders, others vow revenge until their dying breath. This how-to will help you protect yourself from the latter.
Try This Steps
1. Try to be a decent person in the first place, so that people won't be inclined to seek revenge on you. If you are not a jerk, for the most part, you will not make enemies. Don't do things that will offend people. Don't call a random heavy person a "fatty" in Wal-Mart. Don't relentlessly tease the kid with glasses at your high school or college. Don't be rude to customer service employees, especially cashiers (They can easily track you, because all they have to do is make you show an ID with a credit card or check, and there is nothing you can do about it if you want to pay by a method other than cash).
2. Notify the police if you are certain that someone is trying to take revenge on you. Be sure they are attempting before you do this. False police reports are illegal.
3. Contact authorities even if someone harasses you, you always have the option of contacting the police, even if they have blackmailed you.
4. Get Caller ID for your phone if you do not already have it. Block any numbers which give you wakeup calls at 3AM (yes, people have been known to abuse the wakeup call services online for just this purpose).

Some Tips For You
* Try to make things right with any person who believes you have wronged them. For example, if you have insulted someone, apologize to him or her the next time you see them. If you destroyed someone's property, offer to fix it at your own expense. You would be surprised at how far "little things" like these would go in keeping someone from taking revenge out on you.
* Consider buying a gun or a noisy dog. If the enemy is the type who will try to break into your house and kill you in your sleep, you want some sort of home defense.

Remember

* Some people will still try to get revenge, or get more than they deserve from you, even if you do your very best to make things right.
* If you ever are rude to someone, do what you can to prevent them from getting your license plate number. The internet is full of paid search sites where someone can pay a small fee to look up your license plate to find out where you live.
* You may not be forgiven even if you try to make things right. Move on, and take the other steps to protect yourself.
* If you contact the police, you may find that your "enemy" has already figured out a way to get them on his side.
* Don't open unexpected packages from foreign countries, especially from the Netherlands. Packages from the Netherlands could contain drugs (and your enemy may have already reported you for drugs anonymously.)
* Don't go on the attack without being sure someone really is out to get you.

Emotionally and Physically Protect Yourself

Prevention is better than cure, so try to never let people attack you in the first place.
try this steps
1. Don't let people walk all over you. Don't be rude to people for no reason, but don't laugh it off if someone does something mean to you. That only tells them it's okay to do it again. Be able to stand your ground.
2. In the event that you get a crush on someone, try to avoid long, passionate love notes. These usually tend to scare people away and give them the impression that you have an obsessive personality. Instead, consider writing a brief note, such as, "I think you're really cute and I like you, do you want to go hang out some time?"
3. Always be on guard. There can be some real jerks in school. People may be targeting you.
4. Don't put complete trust in all of your friends. When you're in school, the social group that you're with will probably change. Don't completely cut yourself off from your closest friends completely, but be careful. If you have a friend that you hang out with sometimes, but aren't really close with, don't tell her anything that you wouldn't want the whole school knowing. If you have a friend that likes to talk behind their other friend's backs, keep in mind that she can be talking about you behind your own back, too.
5. Stay on top of your homework. Despite its boredom and tedium, it really is better for you in the long run. You won't need to repeat semesters (or even entire grade levels) if you can stay on top of your work.
6. Don't leave your things laying around in front of other teenagers, especially if they have really personal things in them [i.e. your purse]. There are some people who will dig through your stuff the very moment that your back is turned and read whatever they find.
7. Don't be persuaded into doing something that you don't feel comfortable with. If you're at a friend's house and everyone is having a drink, but you don't want to, that's okay. I've been there, and believe me, getting drunk and waking up the next morning remembering all the things you did is NOT fun. Not only that, but it takes a teenager just two months of regular drinking to do permanent liver damage. It takes an adult ten years.
8. 'If you're at a party, don't accept a drink from someone else. Don't leave your drink unattended. Someone could slip something into it and you would never know (the 'date rape' drug is completely tasteless). If you're going to drink, please don't do it at parties. If you get drunk enough, you're leaving yourself very vulnerable to all kinds of things. If you don't think you can gracefully say no to a drink if offered, just carry a cup with water in it.
9. Don't get into cars with people you don't know very well. This goes for girls and guys. Just don't do it. Even if you know them kinda sorta from school or somewhere else. It's just not safe.
10. Always wear deodorant and brush you teeth really well. Don't forget to brush the back of your tongue, that's the place that causes icky breath! Also, wash yourself everyday.
11. Don't let other people hurt your feelings. Just because they call you ugly or stupid or anything else does not make it true. Chances are, they're probably just one those people that gets pleasure out of being mean.
12. For girls: Some boys will say anything to get into your pants. Don't be afraid to say 'no' and don't be feeling guilty into doing something you don't want to do. Just because he says he loves you doesn't make it true. And, odds are, if he wants you to do something you're not comfortable with HE DOESN'T REALLY LOVE YOU. You want someone who will love you for YOU, not your body.
13. If you have had sex and regret it, don't feel guilty. Don't be afraid to talk to a parent or another adult you love and can be open with! This is always a damn good idea. Also, know the facts! A few quick facts: Douches do not protect against pregnancy or STDs (STIs), condoms aren't 100% effective, and neither is the pill, having sex during any time of the month can result in pregnancy. Check out the Woman's Health Matters link below.

some tips
* Tune out the rotten things people say.
* Have someone you can trust and talk to. A parent, a relative, a counselor (remember, counselors by law cannot share what you say to them with other people, as long as it is not something that's against the law, such as a serious death threat).
* If you are being harassed in any way, don't be afraid to tell someone!
* If you have been raped or assaulted (this goes for guys too), contact the authorities immediately. This is not your fault.
* Lift weights and become physically fit. Not only is it healthy but people will be scared of you.
* The most valuable thing you can have is self assurance. Acting vulnerable to get attention will only ever get the wrong kind- why are you taking care of yourself if you're acting like you're not worth it?

Remember!!!

* These are just suggestions. If you have a serious problem or need help ask for help from a professional or parent or other adult.

Detect Hidden Cameras and Microphones

Do you ever feel your being watched? Everytime you turn around there's never anyone there. Maybe you're being watched by cameras or microphones are listening. Here are some steps to find them.
try this steps
1. Do a physical search of the premises. This involves a slow, meticulous search of the room or building you suspect is "wired".
* Look around for anything that "seems different", like flower arrangements, pictures on the wall out of level or in unusual places, or lampshades that don't look normal.
* Look inside flower pots, light fixtures, and other places where a microphone transmitter can easily be hidden.
* Look under couch cushions, table tops, and shelves. Underneath shelves and table tops are excellent places for miniature cameras.
2. Turn off the lights, and carefully look around the room for tiny red or green led lights. Some microphones have "power on" indicator lights, and if the person who sets it up is careless they may fail to cover or deactivate this feature. While the lights are off, grab a flashlight and carefully examine all mirrors--these can be made transparent from one side so that a camera can see through, but they rely on the observer's side being darker than the area observed in order to keep the other side of the mirror reflective
3. Listen carefully as you walk the entire room quietly. Many small motion sensitive cameras make an almost inaudible click or buzz when they operate.
4. Search the room or premises for wires that do not seem to "go anywhere", such as an appliance or other familiar device. "Hardwired" spy equipment is less common with modern technology, but is still used for permanent surveillence in commercial businesses for loss prevention.
5. Buy an "RF signal detector" or "Bug Detector". If you seriously beleive you are being spied on, buy an RF (radio frequency) detector, and do a sweep of your room, building, or home. These portable devices are small, simple to use, and fairly inexpensive.
some tips for you
* Check for smoke detectors you didn't add, look for speaker that might have a camera in it.
* Make sure that your computer's microphone and webcam (if you have one) are off ,or covered when not in use
Remember!!
* Don't let the cameras and mic's know your looking for them
* Hide the detector and make sure it's on silent mode
All the Things that You'll Need
* a high-quality detector
* someone that's actually spying on you
* If you want you can use a pro detector just do a Google search for "bug detectors"

The Way to Stop Panic Attacks

Panic Attacks are often common when we have sudden feelings of fear and anxiety. This happens due to the stimulation of the adrenal hormone by the adrenal glands. The released Adrenalin helps the body prepare for a fight or flight situation. This is usually for the good but sometimes it may cause trouble. Especially when it happens too frequently, it is difficult to manage them The problem with these attacks is that they appear out of nowhere. But you can handle it.
try this steps
1. Stress Management and Rest: Panic is due to excessive tension. The best cure for tension is rest. Get more sleep and enjoy your life. Go out on a vacation.
2. Herbal Remedies: Trying herbs is not a bad option. They have been found to be effective. But it is not always. It is your brain that decides whether you should have a panic attack or not.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/One Move Technique: This therapy is also known as the One move technique. Panic Attacks are caused due to fear and the fear is due to the release of adrenalin. The release of adrenalin is directly linked to the Adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulated by the pituary gland. So that is where you need to control. If you can control the stimulation of ACTH then you can certainly overcome panic attack.

Some Tips
* If you feel panic, then don’t react. Let it through. It will come to an end. Panic Attacks are like a roller coaster. It will come to end.
* Don’t resist panic attacks. Accept it and let it flow through you. It will come to an end.
* Don’t feel afraid. Remember one thing: Fear increases Fear. If you are afraid of panic then it will create more panic and you will face more trouble. So let it go through your body.
* If you let it flow through you, then you will lose your fear of panic. When that happens, you become less scared of panic attacks and more relaxed when you have a panic attack.
* Practice One Move Technique

Tips to Defend Yourself

The difference between walking away and becoming tomorrow's newspaper headline is how well you are prepared to protect yourself in a bad situation. By keeping this information in mind you will know what can be done before and during an attack.
There are various types of confrontations:
* The 'wind-up', the argument before the fight erupts,
* The 'duel' an arranged meet to resolve a dispute between conflicting parties or the ambush.
* The brawl will usually be only after the verbal "woofing" has been exhausted and someone throws a punch.
* An ambush is usually premeditated and one or more assailants will attack when they feel the timing is right, usually after distracting the victim with a question e.g. "Have you got the time?".
Steps
Preparation
1. Think about potential situations in which you will need to defend yourself. No two attacks are the exact same, so think about what you could do if attacked from different sides or in different situations (large numbers of people, alone, at night or at day, assailant is armed or not armed, size of assailant, assailant's intentions). By thinking about it beforehand, you will not be as likely to become shocked and panic during the real thing.
2. Take a self-defense course. Actually being able to run through potential situations and consult with an expert will help you immensely. Try taking a form of martial arts.

Confrontations
1. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, try to leave the situation. In an uncomfortable social situation, this can be as simple as firmly asserting yourself ("Back off right now!"). Take all verbal or directional paths to non-confrontation; actual physical confrontation should be your last line of defense, although sometimes it may be the only.
2. Try to stay standing with a wide base, both left-to-right and back-to-front, so that your feet are diagonal from each other (a typical martial arts fighting stance). This will lessen your likelihood of getting knocked or pushed over.
3. Assess your potential assailant: tall/short, stocky/thin, male/female. Look at their hands. If they were about to attack with their hands, they would have their hands out. However, if they are concealing a weapon, they will have them hidden or at their side.
4. The best tactic in any confrontation is to RUN.

Preparing for a confrontation
One simple step to judge when a confrontation has passed the point of a verbal exchange is when the person starts to invade your personal space. To mark this, you put up a fence. A fence is simply putting your hands in front of you in a conciliatory/peaceful gesture (palms out). If the assailant tries to move past your fence, you are entering a physical confrontation - what other reason would they have for getting closer?. The general (but unpalatable) consensus at this point is you have to end the fight as quickly as possible by striking first, striking hard, and striking as many times as you can, then escaping. This goes against the oft quoted 'bushido' or warriors code and our innate civilised sensibilities, however not many assailants care for either of these.
Defending yourself from the front
1. If the attacker is trying to punch you or grab you from the front, put your hands on your forehead in a "Not in the face!" sort of gesture and your arms tight on your body. This may look like a weak defensive position, but that is to your advantage since it brings your opponent's guard down. In addition, this position protects your face and your ribs, two places you'll likely want to protect.
2. From your "Not in the face!" position, when you are close in on your assailant, lift your elbows into your opponent's lower ribs or right below his pectoral muscles. These are sensitive spots and can cause a lot of pain.
3. If your assailant's upper body is far from you but you are still at risk (e.g. your opponent is choking you), attack their legs. This is especially effective on larger attackers because the bigger he/she is, the more stress he/she has on his/her legs and knees. Do not deliver a typical Karate Kid style kick; instead, kick his/her shins soccer-style (with the instep of your foot). This is a quick and painful kick. In addition, if his/her legs are close enough, lift your knees into their inner leg (femoral nerve), outer leg, knee, or groin. These will break down your attacker and may disable him/her, as only 12-16 pounds of pressure are needed to break a knee.
4. If your opponent has his/her head in reaching distance (which is often the case when you attack his/her legs), you will want to attack it. Try to poke or press on the eyes, as no one can resist an eye poke no matter how big he/she is. Clapping on the ears can stun or, if done perfectly, breaks the eardrums. Striking the cheekbones can cause bruises or broken bones. Striking the nose causes nosebleeds and temporary blindness.
5. In some cases you may also want to attack your attacker's neck (usually open when the head is). To effectively choke someone, do not do the typical Hollywood "hands around the entire neck," but instead just put your thumb and fingers around his/her trachea (especially easy to find on men with large Adam's apples). Also, right below his/her trachea is a notch in his/her neck. Dig, drive, and sink your fingers into this notch and they will experience intense pain and probably fall down.

Attacks from behind
1. If an attacker tries to attack you from behind to choke you, press his/her forearm against your collarbone instead of trying to pull it directly off (which doesn't work well). Put one hand above his/her elbow (on the forearm) and one hand below it (so your hands are on both sides of the elbow). Then, in one strong and determined movement, step and swing your entire body around like the arm is the hinge to your body acting as a screen door. This will get you out of his/her choke and leave his/her head, ribs, and legs wide open to your counterattack. (Also note that, when your attacker is behind you, his/her shins are right behind your legs and primed for your stomping and raking.)
2. If the attacker is trying to pick you up from behind, drop your hips quickly and violently as if you were plopping down on a love seat. This will make you harder to pick up and give you an extra moment to attack them and fend them off (stomp on their shins).
3. If the attacker is trying to choke you by wrapping his arms around your neck, bring the ball of your foot forward, as if you just kicked a soccer ball, and fast and FORCEFULLY, slam it into the area of their leg between their ankle and mid-leg. This will, (if done hard enough) break their leg.

Other potential situations
1. If you fall, try to fall on top of your attacker. While falling, keep the pointy parts of your body pointy (your knees and your elbows) and aim for your attacker's groin, ribs, and neck.
2. If your attacker is wrestling with you on the ground and has you pinned under him/her, grab his/her body by unlocking his/her arm joints, or pin a hand to the ground. Then, put one leg firmly on the ground, push off of it, and swing your hips over. This will have you falling on top of your opponent, which should be done with a good amount of pointedness.
3. If an attacker attacks with a weapon, know where the weapon is effective. If he/she has a knife, try to stay out of stabbing range, and if he/she has a gun, don't count out running and dodging left to right. Also, note that the attacker invests him/herself on that weapon and can leave him/herself open to grabbing/pinning the weapon hand or a different attack.
4. If you get a chance to leave safely, go for it. Be sure that you're safe from your opponent when you decide to stop defending yourself.


Some tips
* If someone is attacking you, you are right and the other person is wrong. Their motivation is probably wanting your money or possessions or body, while yours is self-preservation. This means that you can fight without rules, since your cause is "righteous". In all likelihood, there will be a point in time, somewhere between the knees to the groin, elbows to the ribs, and strikes to the nose, that whatever he/she wanted before isn't nearly as important as stopping the pain you're dishing out.
* In a self-defense situation, take a "not me" attitude: don't let yourself be the one they see in the paper the next morning. This starts before the fight, since experienced rapists and muggers will choose their victims not by what they are wearing or who they are, but how they act. If you are confident, you will not be the one they target.
* If you get the opportunity, talk with your friends about how one would defend one's self in a dangerous situation. If possible, run through potential situations and where to target on someone's body and what seems to work and what doesn't.
* If you think that you may be entering "a bad neighborhood" or any place where an attack could possibly happen, keep some pepper spray with you. This could be an invaluable lifesaver. Never keep a potentially lethal weapon such as a firearm or a knife with you as you may turn a mugging into a fight to the death, especially if the assailant is armed.
* Threatening an assailant with a weapon like a knife or firearm is a bad idea unless you fear for your life. It is not worth going to jail for murder, manslaugter or getting killed over your wallet. Remember, the assailant is most probably stronger and more experienced in fighting than you or he would not have chosen you.
* If this is any sort of domestic situation, you may be wondering at what point it becomes bad enough to warrant you defending yourself. By legal standards, any unwarranted contact is an assault. It doesn't matter if he/she "only" pushed you, it's still an assault, can still be dangerous, and you still deserve to defend yourself.

Remember!!!!
* Don't get in fights over trivial things like disagreements in a bar about beer/girls/sports teams. Be the bigger person and walk away. You're better than that.
* Don't comply with someone who has you under duress (in other words, if the attacker says, "Get in the car," don't get in the car. The attacker wants to move you probably because he/she doesn't want to do what he/she intends to do in your current situation. You have a much better chance of surviving if you resist as soon as possible, however, if you do not escape at that moment, the attacker will probably kill you and take the keys.
* In many cases, you can end the situation immediately by giving the attacker your wallet. This is a logical choice, especially if at knife- or gunpoint. Your life is worth much more than the cash and cards you have on you. toss the wallet away from you and run.
* This plan does not cover every situation, but it's rather a brief overview of what you can expect. By no means are you completely safe; however, after reading and understanding this you have a better mindset if a situation does arise. Above all, remember that you are right and you can decide if you're not going to be the victim.
* Only carry a weapon if you have sufficient training to use it legally and effectively.

Choose a Self Defense Class

Concerned about defending yourself? Not feeling confident when you're travelling alone? Why not try self-defense classes? They can be an enjoyable way to learn to protect yourself and boost confidence.
try this steps
Finding a class

1. If you know anyone who goes to self-defense classes, talk to them, as they may be able to point you in the right direction. If you have a friend who teaches, even better!
2. Find out whether local self-defense classes have to have approval or specific licenses. This should help in finding a reputable instructor.
3. Go to your local police station. They should have a list of reputable self-defense classes, or at least be able to point you to some good instructors, and may be able to direct you to classes well-suited to you (e.g. self-defense for women).
4. If you are still stuck for classes, try having a look in your local telephone directory, search online for local classes, or look on bulletin board at local fitness centers. Remember: the size of the ad is no judge of the quality of the class. Have a look around any classes listed in your area.

Choosing between classes
1. When you find a class, go down when the lesson is on, and watch the class in progress. Don't just watch the instructor, pay attention to the people in the class, too. Remember that you may be training with them, so you should be comfortable being around them.
2. Talk to the instructor about the classes, and talk to those learning if you have the chance. They can give you an idea of what training will involve.
3. Get involved! Taking part will give you an idea of what the training is actually like.
4. If you like the look of a class, use any trial periods they may have; many schools offer a certain number of lessons at a reduced rate while you're deciding about the school.

some tips
* Talk to the instructor about what you're looking to get out of the classes.
* Be wary of fraudulent instructors; learning self-defense does not need to cost you an arm and a leg, nor does it require pledging eternal (or even temporary) servitude to them.
* If you believe something is dangerous to you, do not do it. A good instructor will know that not everyone is as confident or as able as others, and will support you in your training. You are at their classes of your own choosing.
* Learning to defend yourself does not have to be a chore! If you are not enjoying the classes, talk to your instructor. They may be able to adjust your instruction to your preferences. If they refuse, consider finding another class.
* If you are not comfortable with the 'atmosphere' of the class, do not be afraid to walk away. You may have only picked up on something subconciously, but 'intuition' is generally a good guide.
* If you are not feeling confident about going to classes initially, ask a friend to go with you. Seeing a familiar face when you start can make the difference between sticking around and dropping out.

Be Street Smart

Modern times have changed and people need to change as well to stay safe and not be a 'victim'. This article could help save your life.
try this steps
1. Trust your gut instinct in any situation. Many people ignore that little warning voice inside of themselves. They talk themselves out of listening to it because they think they are being paranoid or they don't want to be the one to speak up. It can be your best friend around danger and help you make snap decisions. It is better to be paranoid than to become a victim.
2. Train yourself to be extra careful and alert around crowds. Watch and note any suspicious behavior. Criminals love crowds because they distract most people. Instruct your friends and family to be aware as well. Carry wallets,backpacks and purses in front of your body and never set anything down even for a 'minute' unless you are sitting and it is in front of you in your hands. If any stranger bumps into you or makes you stop suddenly because they abruptly stop in front of you, if they ask a question or causes a distraction of any kind, get real cautious. Most pickpockets work in twos or use children. If a strange child comes up to you in public to show you a drawing or something they are selling, watch for other people (even other children) around you. If you feel a insect bite you, or wet paint or bird poop get on your clothes and someone offers to brush you off-be aware it could be a pickpocket team.
3. Understand that evil comes in many forms. Stereotypes of what evil looks like in people cause people to relax in front of strangers. A criminal might not be male and dressed in all black! Danger can be inside the most normal and non-threatening adults and even children. It resides in beautiful and confident people. Don't tell your entire life story to any stranger.
4. Learn that losing control in ANY public setting is just plain dangerous. If you are even tipsy, your guard goes down. Be especially careful if you are a woman and the man with you is drunk. It makes you focus on him and is a magnet for other men to strike at you. Dump him in a cab or call a friend to help you. IF you sense danger on a street, TURN around and walk the opposite way.
5. Hold children's hands in public. Do not let them get in front or behind you in a crowd. Stay alert at all times of where they are. Instruct them to stay with you. Avoid leaving them alone in a public place.
6. Distrust anything that is too good to be true. Whether it is a get rich scheme, a beautiful person or couple flirting and coming on to you, a cheap way to sight-see without a established tour guide-DO not trust it and back away.
7. Contact the authorities if any stranger ever asks you to deliver or give a message. Especially if they offer you money.
8. Avoid stopping when walking on the street to give money or cigarettes. Just say "No thank you." Never walk to someones car to give directions. Keep your eyes in front of you and walk quickly. Ignore strangers that talk to you. When listening to a street musician be extra careful. Never hold any CASH in your hand no matter how small. If approached by a street gang and they ask where you are from, say "nowhere". Avoid staring any gang member in the eyes too long -it is a sign of disrespect. The best thing to do is leave the area at once and do not start any conversation with them.
9. Remember to be alert to people following you. If you are in a bar or hotel and you feel you are being watched, you most likely are right. Again trust that instinct. Call a friend to join or come get you if alone.
10. Practice being calm. Force yourself to think about the steps you will do and do not focus on how scared and upset you are. If you are with a group of people, take charge and become the "Calm" leader even if you do not feel calm. Tell them you have a "plan" even if you do not. Something will come to you in time.
11. Consider that many robberies take place on quiet streets. Criminals look for a 'lone' victim. They also love tourists because they are busy and distracted. Stay on guard. Do not talk and get lost in a phone conversation while walking in public. Stop and sit down if you need to talk to someone on your cell. If a armed robber does get to you, try to throw the wallet/purse away from you than run as fast as you can.
12. Blend in as best as you can. Sometimes this will be difficult, especially if you're the ethnic minority, but be cognizant of how the people around you dress and act. Try not to draw attention to yourself. You should never look like the wealthiest person in a crowd. If you have a physical feature that's different and eye-catching, try to minimize it. For example, if you have long, gorgeous blond hair, a troubled neighborhood is not the place to flaunt it. Wear it in a ponytail and put on a hat or a hood.
13. Imagine that you are confident as you walk the streets. Don't look scared. Don't appear nervous. If you happen to make eye contact with someone, don't look away suddenly, as if it was an accident. Look away slowly and casually. Pretend you've walked in that neighborhood a million times before. It helps to wear sunglasses/glasses on the street to prevent muggers from throwing items such as red pepper into your eyes to blind you as they rob you. In a restaurant try to sit with your back against the wall if possible. If muggers jump on your back, allow yourself to fall but try to break it with your hands. Give them your backpack, wallet or purse before getting up.
14. Get to know people. Establish rapport with neighbors who seem quiet and trustworthy. It's always good to know someone in the neighborhood who you can go to for help.
15. Learn assertive body language. If you are clutching your purse too tight, blinking fast, seem to be lost, uncertain or looking frazzled you could be targeted. Don't send out nervous or vulnerable signals by walking too fast either or constantly looking behind you. Be smart and leave the fancy electronic gadgets (ipods, laptops, etc,) at home. Street robbers love those expensive toys because they are easy to fence.

some tips
* Crime does not just take place at night and in bad areas. It can be anywhere and at anytime. It can happen in places you would never dream-national parks or monuments, amusement parks, churches, hospitals, weddings, tour buses and playgrounds. Many crimes happen early in the morning in the streets of big cities. It can happen in well lit streets or dimly lit areas. Understand that criminals can be all around you, they are walking, standing and in cars. Keep Vigilant.
* Watch out for people who are vulnerable-young children, teens and the elderly. They can be naive and good targets for criminals.Young adults under the age of 25 are very gullible still. Tell them to travel in packs while in high school or college. Teach your family how to stay safe and less trusting. Tell them that any stranger could be dangerous to them and to never hold on to their purses, phones or any items if the robber wants it.
* When the weather is hot-be even more on guard. Many criminals seem to strike during warm/hot spells. If a person approaches you wearing a hood over his head in hot weather or dressed in ski-cap or wool jacket-that is suspicious.
* Anyone can be a victim-even the 6' man. Don't fool yourself just because you are big and tall. Don't be the hero-just throw or give them the stuff they want and run or back away. Do not ever chase the mugger. You could be killed and it is not worth it. Never throw yourself or chase after the mugger's car-they can run you over.
* Always do your ATM banking when it feels safe. If there is even a doubt in your mind, don't do it.
* Carry some cash with you but never display it when you open your wallet or your purse. Avoid money clips and expensive jewelry. It makes you a target. Never keep all your cash in one place when traveling. Have some under a shirt or in a bra even a shoe. They sell items to help you hide money on your person. If you feel someone behind you in line is watching you-be 'careful' that they do not follow you. Keep your wallet and purse-clean and organized with no money floating around on the top.
* Don't let any stranger in your car. If you see a stranger fiddling or standing by your car-do not approach it. Contact authorities instead. Never leave any valuables in your car even the trunk.
* When traveling-pack very light and very organized. Do not be burdened with heavy suitcases as they will only distract you. Hold on and track your passport. Keep it on your person at all times. Never let it out of your sight and same with airline tickets. Give yourself and family plenty of time so you are not frazzled.
* Pickpockets always travel in couples or groups. One to distract and one to get to your items. If you feel distracted by a person/or a couple's antics (falling down, being drunk or crazy, a fight) in a public place, stop and look around.They are very fast and very skillful.
* If you are a single man and a attractive stranger approaches you. Talk to them but don't leave with them. They could be the "bait" to lure you into a very bad situation.
* If you see a crime happening in front of you, be very careful before stepping in. Take mental notes on everything that is happening and look around to see if others are watching. If you see a man assaulting a woman in public, try to get other people to help you with him. He could be carrying a weapon. Observe his height, weight, facial hair, any tattoos, skin marks or scars and clothes. Call the police. If you have his license plate, make sure to write it down or say it into your cell phone to a friend.
* If you have to sleep in public, have a friend watch your belongings. Never leave any purses/backpacks open when sitting.
* If you are traveling in a crowded bus or subway, people are going to be shoved next to you. The person with a magazine or newspaper could be a pickpocket. Keep a hand on your belongings at all times and don't wear a expensive watch in public transport or while traveling.
* Never give any personal information or credit card information over the phone to a stranger. Even if they say they work for a charity or cause. Delete any e-mails from strangers or any contacts from your bank, credit card or pay pal.They are scams. If not sure about any e-mail-delete it.
* Stop your car if a person jumps in front of it but do not OPEN the door. If the person has a weapon and is hitting or smashing your car, keep driving. If a person taps on your car window do not roll it down.
* When traveling abroad dress 'down'. Make sure your kids are not wearing expensive shoes and other items. Do not look like a "Rich American". Don't carry around camera equipment that is very expensive. Lock all suitcases all of the time in any hotel.
* Remember the elbow is the strongest weapon on your body.
* If locked in the trunk of a car, kick out the back headlights when the car is moving, not when the car is idling. Wave your arm out of the hole. Someone could see you. Look for the trunk release as well.
* if you are bi lingual, use that against them... you can trick them into thinking that you arnt going to be easy to steal from, so they will bi-pass you...


Remember!!!

* Use common sense-do not put yourself or other people in your life in uncertain, dangerous situations. If walking down the street and you feel or see a situation that does not look right or feel right than walk the opposite direction even if it take you out of the way to where you are going. If you are jogging-do it with a pal or in a very safe area where you are not alone. Beware of big city parks where criminals can hide and jump at you. if you are a tourist- Never walk around very late at night in a big city by yourself-take a taxi. Avoid bad neighborhoods.
* Avoid Public rest stops. A better choice is a drive-in or large drug store. When traveling try to empty your bladder in safe places.
* If on a city bus-beware that you can be robbed on it. Be Careful if it is empty or a double decker-sit behind the bus driver if possible. If a person gets on bus and your instinct screams 'danger' just get off and catch another one. Do not let them get off the bus behind you though.
* If a stranger on the street offers to sell you anything, be very careful. Do not trust or believe anything they have to say. They want you to part with your money for something. Just say a polite "no thank you".
* If someone blocks you in your car with their car, do not open the doors for any reason. Stay calm and use your cell phone to call police. If a criminal blocks or pins you on the sidewalk, be calm, assertive and aggressive. Make lots of noise by saying "Please move now!" in a very loud strong voice. If they don't move, call to a stranger by his or her hair and shirt color, asking them to call for help at once. If no one is on the street, than pretend there is and call out to the stranger who will help you. If they have you in a headlock, tuck your chin in and try to trip them then run.
* Stop if you are in a mall, any retail store, sports arena or restaurant and feel your eyes and throat burning. Get out at once. Do not worry about the bill or if you are trying on clothes. Whatever it is that you were doing, forget about it and get outside. Sometimes criminals put poison gas/tear gas in air vents. Use your clothes to block your nose as you get out.
* If you are in a store or other public building and someone comes in with a gun, get down at once. If they start firing, than force yourself to lay still or pretend to be dead. Do what the criminal wants but make yourself a'undesirable' victim. If they force you to stand up than pretend to throw up or pretend to have a heart or breathing attack. Pee on yourself. Tell them you need your medications. Do not use your cell phone.
* If you witness a purse snatching on a elderly person, don't chase after the mugger. Call for an ambulance instead for the elderly person. They could have a heart attack or injuries from being pushed. If the elderly person is bleeding from the head-do not move them! Call for help asap. Stay with the elderly person until help arrives.
* If you are elderly and a strange man with a big smile comes towards you in the public to help you, Say "STOP". Then "I do not need your help." Do not go with him. Better safe than sorry. If it is cold outside and the person is sweaty or agitated, they could be on drugs or suffering from nervious energy. Take extreme caution and move away from them.
* If you see a group of 5 to 10 youths who are looking for trouble-do whatever it takes to move away from them. There are gangs of kids who will mug, beat or sometimes 'taser' their victims in broad daylight.
* Don't sit in your car after you shop or have returned from an restaurant. You can talk on the phone or make your to do list at home. A predator could be watching. Immediately start your car, lock the doors and drive away. If there is a person with a gun to your head in the back seat or they get in the passenger side, start the car if they ask you to do so. No matter where you are, gun the car as fast as you can and ram the car front into something like a wall or a tree. Just hit something. The airbag may deploy. Get out of car as soon as you can. It is better to be in a car accident than to drive with an armed predator. If you and a predator, who has a gun on you, are walking but you are not in his control, run away as fast as you can in a zig zag pattern. The chances of you being killed if he shoots at you are slimmer than being in his control.
* Don't use the stairs, use the elevator, especially at night.
* Always walk with a friend if you can. A buddy around sometimes could mean life or death in a mugging or fight.

Be Confident and Safe when Going Out Alone

Going out by yourself can seem intimidating even frightening. There are definitely dangers to be aware of but you can go to places on your own. You can overcome your anxiety about such things and learn to differentiate between real danger and irrational fear or paranoia. This article assumes you are a woman but if you're a man, there's plenty of useful information in here for you too.
follow this steps
1. Think about where you are going. What section of town is it? Will there be others there whom you know (friends, acquaintances)? If your destination is in a better section of town - i.e., one that is well-lit, not known to be run down or rife with crime - then you're in much better shape, going alone. If it's in a not-so-good section of town, think again. Overcoming your fears and anxieties is one thing but taking foolish and unnecessary risks is another. There are some places, it's just better to go with others.There really is safety in numbers.
2. Dress to impress, not to seduce. If you're going out with pals, you can wear more risque or daring outfits than if going alone - it's just a fact that with others to watch your back, you don't need to worry as much. So instead of dressing in that very low cut, slinky black sheath, wear something more demure. Choose a fabulous cashmere sweater or business attire dressed up with a great scarf or elegant necklace. Calling the wrong sort of attention to yourself when you're on your own is not smart. Be more modest and less sexy.
3. Make sure your car is in good order. Sounds silly? Not if you have a leaky tire valve. The last thing you need is to come out at 2AM and find you have a flat. If you're hanging out alone, have a AAA or other roadside emergency service card with you as well as a charged cell phone. Fill your car up with gas before you leave. Just checking to make sure everything is cool before you get going is a great step to give you peace of mind before you head out.
4. Tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to stay. You are not "putting yourself on a leash" or "cramping your own style." You're being smart by letting a family member or friend know where - and when - to start looking for you, worrying, etc. One good way to go about it is to tell your (for example) mom that you are "going to a party at Steve's house in Agoura this Saturday." You don't need to provide a GPS tracker, but it's smart to leave a MapQuest or Google map of your planned route. Tell your mom you will call when you're on your way home. Call Steve and tell him you're on your way as you are leaving the house. This way, if you don't arrive at the party, hopefully Steve will remember that you called to tell him you were coming, and will call your mom. Now, both parties realize that you left and never arrived at your destination - it gives them a faster start on finding you. If you left a map of your route, Mom can alert the authorities to search along that route - your problem may be as simple as a flat tire or as serious as a crash, with you and your car in a ditch, and a dead cell phone battery - telling someone where you planned to be will help them find you much quicker. Conversely, if you call Mom and tell her that you are in your car and leaving the party at 10pm, she will know that if you have not arrived by midnight, she should begin to worry. Cell phones have taken a lot of these worries away, because it's a simple matter to call most of the time. But consider this: If your cell phone dies, or if you leave it at the party, or it is stolen, lost, or otherwise does not work, you have left word with people who will definitely become concerned after only an hour or two if you don't show up - it won't be half the night before someone even realizes you never showed up where you were supposed to. Knowing you have taken these simple precautions can boost your confidence significantly.
5. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Before you get out of your car, think about where you have parked. Is it well-lit, easy to see from the street? This is the best place to park if alone. Avoid parking in dark alleys or very far away from the door of your destination. Remember where you parked - very important. Mentally map your path to the door of the place you're going, take note of anyone on the street, and gather your things quickly. Upon leaving your car, check carefully that it is locked and you have left nothing enticing (like a laptop bag or an iPod) in plain view. Walk purposefully - do not meander - directly to the door and enter immediately. Lingering on the street is not a good idea, it allows potential attackers to see that you are alone. Keep anyone you noticed out on the street in your mind, and in the corner of your eye, if possible. Being aware of the people around you is key to your safety. Do not talk on your cell phone, it will distract you.
6. Get inside quickly, and once inside, relax and enjoy yourself responsibly. Remember there is no designated driver, you're it. Don't get drunk! If you do get drunk, don't plan on going home without calling a taxi or relative to collect you.
7. Avoid sharing too much information with any stranger. Don't be naive and trust someone you do not know. The people you meet may be very nice people or they may be not very nice.It's impossible to make an accurate judgment in just one meeting. Do not mention you came alone. Say you are waiting for friends to arrive or someone is picking you up soon. If you meet someone you think is nice so far, make plans to meet in a coffee shop, at a restaurant, or at an amusement park, rather than giving out your home address or place of work. Giving out your cell phone number is okay if you want to. The main idea is that you take time to really know this person and get a feel for the real guy or girl, not just that first impression.
8. Remember that good people are like sunny days - there are LOTS of them. Just because you're being careful doesn't mean you need to be afraid that everyone is out there thinking about how to get over on you. Be prepared - not paranoid. Remembering that there are more sunny days than days when lightning strikes is useful. Lightning is dangerous, maybe deadly - but rare.
9. Relax and be yourself. You won't have a good time if you don't relax. Once you've reached your destination, settle in and resolve to have a good time, no matter what. Most large gatherings turn out to be groups of small gatherings - people tend to group together in smaller clusters, even if there are loads of people in one place. Hang back a bit and "lurk", listening for the kinds of people you would like to know as you overhear their conversations. Try not to be obvious - just hang there, looking like you are interested in someone outside that group (so that they don't get that you're listening in.) Once you're sure you'd like to meet these people, wait for an opportunity - one of them says something like, "I LOVED _______ movie." (Assuming it's one you also loved) Quickly turn and say, "I hope you'll excuse me, but I couldn't help overhearing - I loved that movie, too - wasn't it great? I love (actor/actress/director) - I'll see anything s/he is involved in." This is a little feeler, a way of seeing if you will be welcomed or rebuffed.
10. Feel welcomed. The response you get from your little "barometer reading" (a way to sort of test the weather in the group - are they warm and welcoming, or cold and aloof?) will tell you everything you need to know: If the response is, "Yeah, wasn't that great? I loved every minute of it..." or something to that effect, you're in. You can now just pick up and chat about that, and hopefully, stick with them for a little while, making conversation as it flows naturally. Be sure you get an email address or a MySpace address so that you can stay in touch. If you do this, you can wait a day or two, then send an email or a MySpace message saying, "It was great to meet you the other night - maybe we can go to a movie sometime!" Keep it short and leave it at that - don't stalk them. On the other hand, if you are not welcomed ...
11. Feel unwelcome. Some cliques are pretty tight and hard to penetrate. That's okay, don't take it personally. If you try to interject and get in on the fun they're having, but they give you a bad look or say, "Uhhh... yeah." and then let it drop like a bomb, just shrug it off and move on - they may look like fun, but if they're not nice people, they're not what you wanted anyhow. Blow it off and try again somewhere else.
12. Brush up on your conversation skills. And while we're at it, it doesn't hurt to have interesting things to talk about - if you don't know about anything, can't talk knowledgeably about a variety of subjects, it makes you pretty dull. There's not a lot to say if you don't know anything about current events (news, politics), pop culture (movies, TV, books), or other interesting subjects. Inform yourself about things going on in the world, and find ways to discuss them without seeming like a boring know-it-all. It's a fine line - nothing to say = dull, no personality. Too much to say = obnoxious, overbearing conversation hog. Remember that conversation is an art - you say something, then let them say something.
13. Leave knowing you made a new friend or acquaintance. It's a good feeling to leave having had a fun conversation with someone new, or with someone's phone number in your pocket. But if you don't, never fear - you can always try again! The more times you go out and try, the better you will be at fending for yourself in these social situations, and as your skills grow, so will your contact list. Give it time.
14. Preparing to leave, take a close read of the street and then go straight to your car, then home. Alone. If the guard or bouncer, or a group of other women you have met, offer to walk you to your car, take them up on it. At the very least, let someone know that you're going home now, and ask them to watch you till you get in your car. Take a look around - know who is on the street with you, and if you see an alley between you and your car, walk in the middle of the street if necessary to give yourself plenty of room to move if you need to. Walk purposefully and confidently to your car, and when you get there, have your keys ready and unlock the car as you are taking your last steps toward it. Get in, and lock the doors immediately, buckle up, start your car and drive away. Don't sit in your car fixing your makeup or fiddling with your iPod - get going.
15. Congratulate yourself - you did it! Being aware of your surroundings and acting confident will help you feel confident. You've just realized you can go places on your own and survive - you can meet new friends, and have great times without waiting to tag along with others. It's a great feeling!

some tips for you
* People who have the intent to rob or assault others often look for easy targets - nervous types, retiring types, or people just wandering and not really paying attention to their surroundings. Standing tall and walking with purpose, being obviously aware of who and what are on the street with you makes you look confident - not an easy target.
* Many assaults, carjackings, robberies, and homicidal attacks are carried out on women sitting in their cars fumbling with money, makeup, or their radios. Often, the doors are unlocked and the attacker just slides right in. Don't make yourself this kind of target. Instead, have your stuff together, get locked in, buckled up and on your way. You can fiddle with your iPod at the next red light.
* Attract the right kind of attention - not the wrong kind. Dressing in sexy, provocative attire, or wearing a lots of jewelry may be cool once inside, but before you get to your destination, it's not going to attract the kind of attention you want. Cover it up, girl! Once you're in, you can let it out, but remember to cover it again before leaving!
* Be smart - don't insist on going if there's an obvious problem. If your car is hard to start or makes you feel nervous, if you aren't feeling all that well, or if your mind is very focused on a problem, don't go. You want to have a good time, not put yourself in a dangerous situation. If there is an obvious trouble sign, stay home with a book. Go out once the problem has been addressed instead.
Remember!!
* Don't count money or check ID's on the street - that's an invitation to rob you. Stay alert and don't distract yourself while out on the street.
* Don't space out when you're alone. Remember there is no one to depend upon but yourself. Stay alert and keep your wits about you at all times.