What can a woman do to reduce her risk of becoming a victim of assault?
I think that a lot of what a person could do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of assault is mostly just common sense. For example, I personally try to avoid being alone in isolated or dark places. If I must be alone for whatever reason, I will call somebody on my cell phone and tell them where I am and I will stay on the phone until I am in my locked car. I also keep my car keys in my hand so that in case of an emergency I press the panic button which activates the alarm. Although I have considered self-defense classes, I have not taken any yet. I also have pepper spray that I carry in my car. I have just in case I need it someday. Another precaution that I take is that I always make sure that my car doors are locked at all times, especially at stop lights. I live in a safe area, but I still try to take as many precautions as I can to remain safe. When I am in parking lots, I always make sure that my purse is the first thing that goes in my car, before I start unloading the shopping cart. I hardly every carry cash or other valuables with me. I guess I am like this because of domestic violence that I have experienced in the past. Although that was several years ago and it happened far from Texas, I still feel nervous when I am alone.
