Rape Prevention 101

Rape isn’t an easy topic to think about much less talk about but it’s a subject that must be discussed and a crime that is very real especially in the city of Baltimore. During the 2005 Christmas holiday season Baltimore serial rapist Reginald Williams terrorized the women of Baltimore city by going on a 3 week rape rampage. Raping up to 2 women a day at the height of his career, his brutal sexual spree was brought to a screeching halt when cops finally put a bullet in his leg just minutes after raping another woman.
According to the book “Until I Get Caught – The True Story Of A Serial Rapist In Baltimore” the crime of rape has absolutely no discrimination. Just the fact alone that you’re a female puts you at risk. Many women have already been a victim of sexual assault themselves or they know someone who has. Statistics report 1 in 6 women have already been a victim or rape. 1 in 6. Reports also state that an American woman is 10 times more likely to be raped than to die in a car accident. Every single female is at risk regardless of age, race, class, educational status or what you look like. Victims ages range from a few months old to 100 year old but statistics show that the ages between 12 and 34 are the highest risk years for a woman to be sexually assaulted.
With 75% of all rapes being premeditated the number one way to avoid being raped is to be fully aware of your surroundings at all times. Even during the day time, even when you’re home, out in public or with other people. The most vulnerable target is a woman by herself especially at night and even more so if she’s impaired by drugs or alcohol. Try not to park next to vans in parking lots or garages because parking lots are a hot area for sexual assaults. Be suspicious of nice men asking for help. Always carry a working cell phone. If you break down on the road call a reliable person for help. Take a self defense class and it could save your life. Don’t allow yourself to get within an arms length of a stranger. Never, ever turn your back on a stranger. Dogs are one of the best deterrents and noise makers and are excellent for your home security. Always walk like you mean business. Don’t walk with your head down or act like you’re scared, timid, unsure of yourself or vulnerable in any way. LOOK UP, STAY ALERT, LISTEN TO YOUR GUT FEELING ABOUT CERTAIN SITUATIONS because when certain situations don’t feel right, 9 times out of 10, they aren’t.