VIOLENCE AND INTENTIONAL INJURIES
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), nearly 1.3 million violent crimes occurred in the United States in 2009. Violence includes assault, sexual assault, homicide, domestic violence, suicide, and child abuse. Compared with rates of violence in other industrialized countries, U.S. rates are unusually high in two areas: homicide and firearm-related deaths.
Assault
Assault is the use of physical force to inflict injury or death on another person. Most assaults occur during arguments or in connection with
another crime, such as robbery. Poverty, urban settings, and the use of alcohol and drugs are associated with higher rates of assault. The FBI estimates that about 807,000 aggravated assaults occurred in 2009, and 15,200 Americans were murdered that year. Homicide victims are most likely to be male, between ages 19 and 24, and members of minority groups. Most homicides are committed with a firearm; the murderer and the victim usually know each other.
To protect yourself at home:
• Secure your home with good lighting and effective locks, preferably deadbolts. Make sure that all doors and windows are securely locked.
Get a dog, or post “Beware of Dog” signs.
Don’t hide keys in obvious places, and don’t give anyone the chance to duplicate your keys.
Install a peephole in your front door. Don’t open your door to people you don’t know.
If you or a family member owns a weapon, store it securely. Store guns and ammunition separately.
If you are a woman living alone, use your initials rather than your full name in the phone directory. Don’t use a greeting on your answering machine that implies you live alone or are not home.
Teach everyone in the household how to get emergency assistance.
Know your neighbors. Work out a system for alerting each other in case of an emergency.
VIOLENCE AND INTENTIONAL INJURIES Photo Gallery
Establish a neighborhood watch program.
To protect yourself on the street:
Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Stay where people can see and hear you.
Walk on the outside of the sidewalk, facing traffic. Walk purposefully. Act alert and confident. If possible, keep at least two arm lengths between yourself and a stranger.
Know where you are going. Appearing to be lost increases your vulnerability.
Carry valuables in a fanny pack, pants pocket, or shoulder bag strapped diagonally across the chest.
Always have your keys ready as you approach your vehicle or home. Carry a whistle to blow if you are attacked or harassed. If you feel threatened, run and/or yell. Go into a store or knock on the door of a home. If someone grabs you, yell for help.
To protect yourself in your car:
• Keep your car in good working condition, carry emergency supplies, and keep the gas tank at least half full.
• When driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up at least three-quarters of the way.
• Park your car in well-lighted areas or parking garages, preferably those with an attendant or a security guard.
• Lock your car when you leave it, and check the interior before opening the door when you return.
• Don’t pick up strangers. Don’t stop for vehicles in distress; drive on and call for help.
• Note the location of emergency call boxes along highways and in public facilities. Carry a cell phone.
• If your car breaks down, raise the hood and tie a white cloth to the antenna or door handle. Wait in the car with the doors locked and windows rolled up. If someone approaches to offer help, open a window only a crack and ask the person to call the police or a towing service.
• When you stop at a light or stop sign, leave enough room to maneuver if you need an escape route.
• If you are involved in a minor automobile crash and you think you have been bumped intentionally, don’t leave your car. Motion to the other driver to follow you to the nearest police station.
• If confronted by a person with a weapon, give up your car.
To protect yourself on public transportation:
• While waiting, stand in a populated, well-lighted area.
• Make sure that the bus, subway, or train is bound for your destination before you board it. Sit near the driver or conductor in a single seat or an outside seat.
• If you flag down a taxi, make sure it’s from a legitimate service. When you reach your destination, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside the building.
To protect yourself on campus:
• Make sure that door and window locks are secure and that halls and stairwells have adequate lighting.
• Don’t give dorm or residence keys to anybody.
• Don’t leave your door unlocked or allow strangers into your room.
• Avoid solitary late-night trips to the library or laundry room. Take advantage of on-campus escort services.
• Don’t exercise outside alone at night. Don’t take shortcuts across campus that are unfamiliar or seem unsafe.
• If security guards patrol the campus, know the areas they cover and stay where they can see or hear you.
