I don’t mean to scare you all to death, but some of this information could save you or a loved one a lot of grief. A group of convicted rapists and date rapists serving time in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim. The results are now being used in classes that teach women self-defense. Some may surprise you. All are useful in devising a strategy to deter an attacker.
The first thing men look for in a potential victim is long hair, preferably in a ponytail, bun or braid that can easily be grabbed. They also look for women wearing clothing that’s easy to remove quickly. Many carry scissors, specifically to cut clothing.
Women talking on a cell phone or searching through a purse while walking are off guard and can be easily overpowered.
The most common site of abductions is grocery store parking lots; number two is office parking lots or garages; number three is public restrooms.
Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating or working and just sit, maybe checking a list or making a cell phone call. Bad idea. A predator may be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. As soon as you get into your car, lock the doors and leave.
Only 2 percent of men interviewed said they carried weapons, because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence, but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.
These men said they look for an easy target. They would not pick on women who carry umbrellas or any object that can be used from a distance. Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get too close to the attacker to use them as a weapon.
Law enforcement officers who teach women how to avoid attack give the following tactics as deterrents:
If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or is with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them what time it is or make general small talk. Once you’ve seen his face and could identify him in a line-up, you lose appeal as a target.
If a robber asks for your wallet or purse, don’t hand it to him. Toss it away from you, then run like mad in the opposite direction.
If someone threatening is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell, “Stop or Stay back!” Most of the rapists interviewed said they’d leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed she would not be afraid to fight back.
Carry pepper spray and yell, “I have pepper spray,” holding it out in front of you.
If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, always run. The chances of a running target being hit are only 4 in 100 times, and even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ. If possible, run in a zigzag pattern.
If deterrents fail and someone grabs you, you can’t beat them with strength but you can outsmart them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm (between the elbow and armpit) or in the upper inner thigh very, very hard. One woman in a class said she successfully used the underarm pinch to stop a date rape attempt, and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands. The guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it to get the effect.
After the initial hit, always go for the groin. Don’t worry that you’ll anger the attacker and make him want to hurt you more. The rapists interviewed said they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble.
If an attacker puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible pushing down on them with as much pressure as possible.
Another tip comes from martial arts, Tae Kwon Do, which teaches the elbow is the strongest point on the body. If you are close enough to use it, do so.
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head, never drive off. Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your air bag will save you. If the attacker is in the back seat, they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes, bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back taillights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you, but everybody else will. This tactic actually has saved lives.
Another word about parking lots. As you leave the store or office, be aware, look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor and in the back seat.
If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.
Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, walk back into the mall or your work, and get a guard or policeman to walk you back out.
Elevators are safer than stairwells.
Two ploys used by predators use women’s natural sympathy against them. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-educated man, who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane or a limp and often asked “for help” into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
Police also say, “Whatever you do, do not open your door if you hear a crying baby.” A serial killer has a baby’s cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes, thinking that someone dropped off a baby.
This was mentioned on “America’s Most Wanted” profile of a serial killer in Louisiana.
Take care and be safe.