Conference turris::womannotes-v1

233.0. "Running Safety Tips for Women" by LATEXS::MINOW (I need a vacation) Fri Mar 13 1987 11:33

This was reprinted in one of the local running club newsletters.  My
additions are in square brackets.  I found it posted outside the
Mill showers.

Before the run:

	Try to get a running partner.

	Leave word with someone or write down where you plan to run
	and when you will return.

	Carry some I.D. and change for a phone call. [And a $10 bill
	for cab fare in case circumstances prevent you from completing
	your run.]

	Take a whistle with you.

	Do not wear a radio/headset/earphones or anything which
	distracts you so that you are not completely aware of
	your environment.

	Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, lonely trails --
	and especially avoid unlighted areas at night.

	Vary the route and the time of day that you run.

	Run in familiar areas.  Be aware of emergency phones and how
	they work; note the location of neighbours you trust along
	your route.

	Know where police are usually to be found and where businesses,
	stores, offices are likely to be open and active.

During the run:

	Always stay alert.  The more aware you are, the less vulnerable
	you are.  Think about possible escape routes in case of a
	confrontation.  [And don't "bliss out" when you run so you
	lose contact with your surroundings.]

	Take notice of who is ahead of you and who is behind you.
	Know where the nearest public sites are with some general
	activity -- there is usually safety in numbers.

	When in doubt, follow your intuition and avoid potential
	trouble.  if something seems suspicious, do not panic,
	but run in a different direction.

	Run clear of parked cars, bushes, dark areas.

	Run against traffic so that you can observe the approach
	of automobiles.

	If the same car cruises past you more than once, take down
	even a partial license number and make it obvious that
	you are aware of its presence (but keep your distance).

If confronted:

	Run toward populated areas, busy streets, open businesses.

	Ignore jeers and verbal harassment.  Keep moving.

	Use discretion in acknowledging strangers.  Be friendly, but
	keep your distance and keep moving.

	Do not approach a car to give directions, or the time of day.
	Point toward the nearest police or information source, shrug
	your shoulders, but keep moving.  If you feel you must respond,
	do it while moving.

	Do not panic.  Do not run toward a more isolated area.

If attacked:

	Keep as calm as possible.  Try to fix a description of the
	attacker in your mind.

	Do not show fear or plead -- this intensifies aggression in
	most cases.

	Try to talk to the aggressor and look for an escape opportunity
	-- a moment of indecision or distraction on the attacker's part.

	Do not fight or struggle with the attacker unless there is
	clearly no other way out, especially if you are untrained in
	self-defense.