The United Nations reports that up to three million women are murdered on average each year, most of which are preceded by rape or sexual assault. Approximately 24,000 women go missing in the US each year, never to be heard from again unless their remains are found. The police presume that most of these women were raped and murdered. Martha Stout, a psychologist at Harvard University, estimates that up to four percent of the population are sociopaths or psychopaths… (the difference between the two conditions is not relevant for these purposes).
In some, but not all, countries, there is public pressure to investigate these disappearances and murders, and efforts to do so are increasing. The investigations, however, are after the fact. More important, of course, is devising ways to prevent these rapes and murders. Not only is it important, it is vital that women of all ages learn strategies and tactics to reduce their risk of becoming victims of sexual predators. Women are often told to avoid dangerous areas for their safety and well-being, but sexual predators are not confined to “dangerous areas”; they can be present on the street, at parties, in remote areas and even at home.
The first priority for every woman is to learn to be more aware of her surroundings at all times. This ranges from developing and using her peripheral vision to understanding her surroundings, recognizing potential danger, not allowing herself to be distracted, and developing street smarts. For example, walking after dark almost anywhere listening to a mobile audio device can make a woman a target for predators on the prowl for victims. In fact, if women are distracted in this way, they may be attacked or kidnapped in broad daylight in areas with little foot traffic. Learning to react to strangers, even something as innocent as someone asking you what time it is, could be the scene of an assault. Not covering the windows of the house after dark or even opening the door could have dire consequences.
Some women carry self defense devices i.e. pepper spray, electro-shock device, or even a gun where legal, however unless these devices are on hand at all times they will be of little use against a surprise attack. .
There are many strategies and tactics a woman can learn and employ to reduce her risk and it is up to her to learn these things. Also, a basic understanding of a practical method of self-defense can be invaluable. It should be simple, direct, uncomplicated, potentially lethal, and can be learned in a short time. If a woman is armed with this knowledge, she should be able to live her life safely and without fear.