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VULNERABLE TO ATTACK

NCJ Number
50020
Author(s)
J G HALVERSON; C S MACCRONE; P P DROWNE
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM, INTENDED FOR USE BY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND SCHOOLS, PROVIDES MANY PRACTICAL WAYS FOR WOMEN TO FIGHT OFF ATTACKERS.
Abstract
IT WAS DETERMINED THROUGH EXTENSIVE SURVEYS OF WOMEN, WOMEN'S GROUP, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT CRIME PREVENTION OFFICERS THAT MOST WOMEN WILL FIGHT RATHER THAN SUBMIT TO SEXUAL ASSAULT. AUTHORITIES CLAIM THAT A RESISTING VICTIM FACES A GREATER RISK OF INJURY IN A POTENTIAL RAPE SITUATION. HOWEVER, RAPISTS ARE UNSURE OF THEMSELVES AT THE ONSET OF AN ATTACK, AND FIERCE RESISTANCE AT THAT TIME IS THE BEST PROTECTION. THE WOMAN'S RESISTANCE MUST BE DISABLING SO THAT SHE MAY ESCAPE TO SAFETY. THE THREE MOST VULNERABLE POINTS OF A MAN'S BODY ARE THE EYE AREA, THE THROAT AREA, AND THE GROIN. WAYS IN WHICH A WOMAN CAN MINIMIZE HER VULNERABILITY TO ATTACKS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: RESTRICTING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HERSELF; INSTALLING SECURITY HARDWARE IN HER RESIDENCE; HANDLING PHONE CALLERS AND DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESMEN PROPERLY; CARRYING CONVENIENT SECURITY DEVICES, SUCH AS PURSE ALARMS OR MACE; AND TRAVELING VERY CAUTIOUSLY. WOMEN MUST BE ALERT TO BURGLARY OR MUGGING AS WELL. GUIDELINES ARE PROVIDED FOR WOMEN TO FOLLOW AFTER THEY ARE ATTACKED, INCLUDING REPORTING TO THE POLICE AND PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PREGNANCY AND VENERAL DISEASE. (BAC)