» Self Defense at The Landings
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
So today while I was at work one of our resident events was going on. It was a self-defense course for women taught by Robert Verdell, who also has a class at Lansing Community College. Ladies, I don’t know about any of you, but since the time I was small my mom has been striking fear into my heart in regards to attackers and strangers. There was literally a point where I was so scared of people I didn’t know I wouldn’t even ride my bike outside haha! When my mom found out I was going to Michigan State University and would be living in an apartment, she took the time to go over all the ways she could think of to stay safe. Even though this has never been a problem for me personally, I feel safer just practicing the things she suggested.
I was able to participate in the class, and it was really eye-opening. There are so many common sense things that I would never have thought to do. Common sense things that can literally save your life. I thought since summer is coming and most of us will be going out on the town, or working at jobs that require us to walk to cars after dark I would post some things that I learned in the class to help keep you safe.
Did you know that in the United States, 1.3 women are raped every minute? That results in 78 rapes each hour, 1872 rapes each day, 56160 rapes each month and 683,280 rapes each year. That’s pretty scary stuff. Here’s some ways to protect yourself:
- Walk in well lighted areas.
- Check under your car and in your back seat with your keys in hand before you enter your vehicle.
- Remain alert in public.
- Never get in a car with a stranger, fight back as much as you can. Statistically once you are put in someone’s car you have an 80% chance of being injured or killed.
- When working late or going out on a date, inform someone where you are going and when you will be home.
In addition, be assertive. If you can, run away. If someone grabs you fight back. And invest in a self defense course, they are a great work out and can save your life!
Sexual Assault Hotlines 1-800-656-HOPE
*Facts provided by Robert Verdell, LCC www.lcc.edu
Tags: east lansing safety, msu safety, safety, safety pictures, Self Defense, Self defense for women, self defense statistics
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