Are You a Target? A Guide to Self-protection, Personal Safety, and Rape Prevention

• NCJ Number: 78792
• Author(s): J Fein
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 153 pages
• Sale Source: Wadsworth Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Wadsworth Series in Continuing Education.

Annotation

Directed primarily at women, this handbook presents detailed guidelines on preventing and dealing with sexual assault and other physical attacks and on increasing physical security at home, on the street, and in public buildings.

Abstract

The volume is intended for use by individuals as well as in community classes and programs on rape prevention, self-protection, safety practices and the use of mace or tear gas, safety precautions, and home protection. Discussions and advice cover ways to prevent an assault from happening in the first place, how to eliminate 'victim' body language and project a 'resister' attitude, and special safety precautions to take when traveling. It also presents physical defense techniques and provides photographs which give step-by-step demonstrations of skills. Other advice covers safety precautions for working women and senior citizens, ways for dealing with sexual harassment at workplaces, and laws and services which apply to rape victims. The first chapter presents factual information on rapists and rape and refutes six common myths about rape, such as the myth that women want to be raped. The second chapter explores the psychology of self-protection and presents ways to minimize vulnerability through awareness, body language, and the use of anger. A chapter on physical self-defense presents eight rules of fighting and details basic fighting skills, defenses and counterattacks, releases and counterattacks, and weapons. In the chapter on physical prevention measures, such techniques as the use of locks, lighting, and dogs are explained, along with techniques for safety in cars and during recreational activities. A chapter on working women covers office safety and safety for nurses, flight attendants, and social workers. The final chapter discusses rape laws, measures to be taken by rape victims during and after an assault, courts and civil suits, and the telephone numbers of rape crisis lines throughout the United States. Chapter reference notes and an index are provided.