Blog 14

What can a woman do to reduce her risk of assault?

There are several things a woman could do to reduce her risk of assault. One way, and what I consider the most important, is to always be aware of the surroundings and the people who are around.
If a woman is alone and going to her car from either the mall or the store, she should ask security to escort out. It might sound silly to have them walk with you in the day, but bad things can happen in the daytime just like at night. She should also have them check inside her car, underneath it, and wait until she's in her car and that it starts. If there is no one to walk out with, then she needs to make sure that her keys are in her hand. There's no telling how many women have been assaulted because they couldn't find their keys fast enough to get in the car and lock the doors. A woman should carry mace or a whistle with her. If some one was trying to hurt her and she couldn't scream, she could at least blow the whistle to get people's attention and more than likely scare off her attacker. She needs to make sure those are easily assesible as well.
Another thing that women can do is take a self defense class. Knowing how to take care of yourself in certain situations can not only reduce your risk or being assaulted, but could save your life or even one of your family members. Men are naturally stronger especially in upper body. If a woman can know how to remain calm and get away, she will survive with little or no injuries. That will also help her self-confidence and make her be more aware of her surroundings. She could pass this knowledge down to her children so they can learn early how important safety is.

Amy Morrow

Blog 13

I personally believe that it is a sign of strength for a woman to admit she has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Maybe in some cultures or even how a woman is raised, it might be a sign of weakness. I think it would be hard to admit if you had a problem. Women are usually considered the nurturer and the one to also help if some one is hurt or sick. With that stress some women might turn to drugs or alcohol in order to "escape." If that happens, some women or even others might take that as a sign of weakness and it would be hard for her to seek help.
Admitting that one has a problem is the first step to making one stronger is my belief. It takes a great deal of strength to admit not only to yourself, but to others that you have a problem. There should be no shame for admitting to a problem of drugs or alcohol. If a woman does not admit her problem it does not mean she is weak. It could mean she just hasn't found her strenghth.

Amy Morrow