Yesterday, I decided to get serious about learning a martial art and self-defense, something I've been interested in for a long time. Today I got an email that made me even more secure in my decision: two women were attacked in my city Sunday morning while taking a walk.
A Royal Oak neighborhood is on alert after two woman were attacked by a man who disappeared into the night. Theresa Nielsen is still shaken by what happened in her neighborhood early Sunday morning.
Two sisters in their 20s were walking on Fifth Street just a few blocks from downtown when they were assaulted by a man who may have been following them in his car. During and after the attack, the young women were screaming and Theresa ran over to help.
Police say the suspect actually pulled the underwear off one of the women and molested her and ran toward the other woman before taking off in his dark blue or black sports car.
Women who work, live or visit the downtown Royal Oak area say this incident is terrifying and hard to believe.
I've always considered myself someone who is aware of their surroundings, and not inclined to doing stupid things like walking around alone late at night, but when stuff like this happens in places that are not usually dangerous, and close by, it freaks me out.
Here are some safety tips that I think are pretty good:
1. If you suspect someone is following you, or you notice someone shady, do not avoid eye contact, but instead, look them in the eyes, even say "hello" so they know you have seen them and are aware of them. Someone looking to attack you is not interested in being seen.
For example, just this morning I noticed some dude walking behind me. In the pouring rain. I thought this was weird, as I had a dog, and an excuse to be outside. He creeped me out because he didn't look like he was working out or anything. So I kept turning around with the very obvious intention of seeing exactly what he looked like and how far away he was. By the third time I did this he stopped to "make a phone call." Maybe he thought I was the creepy one, but that's even better!
2. Carry pepper spray. This is such a no-brainer, but I don't think I know anyone who does this. Not only can this help if you are attacked by a person, but I notice many pet owners are lax with the leash law. I have been attacked by a dog in the past, and it's a horrifying experience. If a dog comes bounding at me off-leash ever again, I'm not going to hesitate to use the pepper spray.
Anyone else have personal safety ideas they'd like to share?
I am honored and excited beyond belief to have been awarded the Cato University Bastiat Scholarship to attend this week's Cato University program in San Diego. The lectures and discussions will focus around some important and controversial topics: Economic Crisis, War, and the Rise of the State.
