Welcome to Gaia! ::

perhaps, perhaps... It probably varies from person to person.

I remember hearing that you should scream 'fire' instead of 'rape' because more people will come to look.

Haha, saftey tips, a forte of my useless knowledge.

If you're getting into your car in an empty parking lot or garage and there's a van with a sliding door on one side enter from the other side.

Pepperspray is a good idea, but sometimes you just don't have it. I walked to the movies once and carried one of those small musk aerosol cans with me instead. Any small aerosol can should work.

If you're with just one or two friends and you think someone is following you or gives you a really odd look, make a big deal out of it with your friends. Discreetly poke fun at his physical attributes. That way if something happens to one of you the others will know of a potential suspect. Don't talk about him too loud though, it my provoke him.

If you're a parasol using loli, that's a good enough weapon.

Shoes you can easily slip off are a good idea, you can take it off and hit the attacker with it. Also, before you leave a place, like a convention, put on shoes that are easy to manuver in.

DEFINITLEY yell "Fire" instead of any cry for help, "Bomb" could work too. If you are in a place with a lot of annonymous people (like a street with apartments with open windows) you are less likely to be helped by yelling help or just screaming. Some people will watch, but they will also let the responsibility of helping fall onto another.

Do ANYTHING, and I mean anything to prevent rape. If someone is taking your panties off, piss on him. He won't expect it and it might give you a long enough chance to escape.

Go for the face if you are in a situation where you are that close and can't escape.

Scream as loud as possible. Things to attract people. "Naked woman" would probably attract a lot of people.

Never leave your drink unattended.

Observe your surroundings, possible escape routes, phones, things to attack with...ANYTHING.

Don't be afraid of getting hit back, if the person is unarmed then fight. If they have a weapon wait until it is put down or when they don't have a good grip on it.

The groin ladies (and possibly a few gentlemen) if it is a male is the number one spot to be aimed for. If you can't get to the punch them in their adams apple, it hurts.

Personal alarms! They're little keychains that make an extremely loud high pitched noise when you yank the chain out of them. I have one myself and it was heard in an assmebly of 300+ people shouting.

Your elbow is the strongest point on your body, use it if you are close enough, don't wait to get close enough though.

If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you. The chances are that he is more interested in your money than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse first. THEN RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION! <---(previous 2 from the following website)


http://www.straightshooter.net/Self-ProtectionTIPS.htm

http://www.womensdefensecenter.com/her.htm

http://michelleannese.com/diva_defense_training.html
A WONDERFUL website.

Keep in mind if you are attacked your mindset completely changes, you are no longer rational, this is something you HAVE to try to take control of. The calmer you think the more likely you are to get away.

If your going to punch somewhere like the nose or jawbone DO NOT make a fist! There is a chance that you injure your hand while doing so. Instead, use the "but" of your hand, you know the bottom of your palm right before your wrist. You can also use this this area to bash the sides of the head(above the jawbone), but this usually only work good if you can get your arms straight. And of course, the groin is the best attack point.
If you notice someone fallowing you and theres no where for you to go, act in a abnormal way, this has worked for women before. I highly suggest taking a self-defence course designed specifically for women. It is mandatory at my school and it teaches all sorts of neat stuff(and it's fun! 4laugh ) The course also gave you a chance to use these on the instructor at the end of the week.

You're welcome ^^
Out of curiousity, where would you go to get a personal alarm?

I had a number of keys on my keychain, so I put keys between all of my fingers and thumb, which made for a DEADLY fist.

Other things you can do are:

Always have your cellphone IN YOUR HAND when walking alone at night, or talk to someone on it while walking down the street, people are less likely to bug a person on a cellphone.

Don't walk alone at night wearing your mp3 player and drowning out the ambient noise.

I've found that when I wear my big chunky goth boots (with tons o' buckles) people, even guys, tend to avoid me on the street. So if you have to be out alone at night, goth it up a little... spiked collars/bracelets... make you look less like a victim (although that's just my opinion).

Carry a parasol or umbrella if possible.

Don't make eye contact with people on the street. They see that as an invitation to accost you if they're creeps.

Always be aware of things in your peripheral vision.

If you're worried about being robbed, keep your important ID and credit/bank cards somewhere other than your wallet/purse. sew a secret compartment into an article of your clothing. Keep only cash (and a small amount) inside your wallet. Don't wear expensive jewelry when out alone.

If at all possible, take a taxi instead of walking, even if it's just a short trip. If you're taking the bus/trolley, ask the driver to let you off in a well lit area, or as close to your destination as possible.

Never EVER, accept a drink mixed by someone you don't know (except for a bartender at a bar). Some creeps will mix drinks with too much alcohol, or will even drug them. When drinking, always bring a buddy to the party/club/whatever, and make a pact that the two of you will look out for one another. Don't let the other person go anywhere alone, and always watch your drinks. Keep an eye out for creepy people at all times. If possible, have one person in your group be the designated watchdog, and not drink. Having one sober person around can help prevent a lot of things.

Always stay in a public place when drinking. Creeps are less likely to try anything if people are watching.

my 0.02, which sadly, comes from personal experience.