16 Days of Activism: A safety message
As the world commemorates the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, a local private security company urges all women to remain vigilant and not to let their guard down so as to avoid becoming a crime statistic.
The day also marks the start in South Africa of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
“Being distracted makes you a soft target. Criminals are always on the lookout for soft targets and will take advantage if you are not paying attention. Being aware of your surroundings and potential threats is the first and most effective line of defence for anyone,” says ADT Security’s District Manager (Coastal Outlying) Peter Kruger.
He recommends cutting out distractions as far as possible and reasonable. This includes taking or making phone calls while driving, especially if you have your children in the vehicle.
“While driving, make sure your doors are locked and any valuable items are placed under the seat or in the boot, out of sight. If you are approaching your house, be on the lookout for any suspicious persons and rather drive around the block if you don’t feel safe. Trust your instinct.”
He said that intuition is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people, and encouraged ladies to trust their instincts; if a situation doesn’t feel safe, it probably isn’t. Kruger said that if confronted by a criminal, escape is always the best option.
“If you are able to, run away, yell for help – do whatever you can to attract attention. If the criminal is after your purse or other items hand them over or throw them in one direction and run in the other.”
“When possible tell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return. Save emergency numbers on your phone and try to memorise at least one contact number you can call in the event of an emergency. Remember less is more when it comes to wearing flashy jewellery and carrying cash. If you are taking a handbag, carry it close to your body and not dangling by the straps.”
By exercising these precautions, Kruger believes women can develop good safety habits that will assist them in avoiding dangerous situations.
“I encourage women to not only use these tips, but to share them with family and friends. Most importantly, if someone or something makes you feel uneasy, get away or get help immediately,” he concludes.