FIRST, STAY SAFE! THEN, ASK QUESTIONS

Let's face it: if you're a woman navigating the world today, you've undoubtedly seen far too many movies where the damsel in distress gets imprisoned in a trunk or chased down an alley. Isn't this reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller? Spoiler alert: it happens to real life more frequently than we'd like to acknowledge. Carjackings have surged in major cities, violent crime rates in metropolitan areas are on the rise, and there are more "creepy guys in the parking garage" scenarios than we'd want to see.

Add in the holiday shuffle—shopping frenzy, late-night gift runs, and the chaos of family gatherings—and you have a perfect storm for predators. The holidays are exciting, yes, but they also offer commotion, distractions, and opportunities. With busy parking lots, bustling stores, and people preoccupied with their own holiday to-dos, predators know exactly where to attack. Whether you're carrying bags of presents or juggling last-minute arrangements, remember that the excitement of the season is exactly what they're looking for.

Let's add to that the present political atmosphere, which has the potential for increasing uncertainty and unpredictability, especially with deportations on the horizon, and you have a formula for increased tension. Whenever the system changes, there is an increase in rage, dissatisfaction, and, sadly, violence. Whether or not you agree with the changes, they are a fact that we cannot ignore.

what would a wise woman do? The idea is to be your own first line of defense. That's right—while you're scrolling through Instagram, checking emails, or jotting down the last of your to-do lists, predators are lurking, waiting for the best opportunity to strike.

You may not have a crystal ball, but with some basic safety understanding, a little planning, and a dash of street smarts, you can avoid being the next victim. And let's face it, whether it’s a criminal looking to take advantage of chaos or someone taking matters into their own hands, the world doesn't slow down for our safety. We have to be proactive. Knowledge is power, and that’s the first step in making sure you don’t end up as the next headline.

Let's break this down into some practical measures for being safe—because guess what? The only thing worse than a real-life predator is being unprepared for it.

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AWARNESS IS YOUR POWER: First things first: awareness is everything. The best defense against being a target of violence is just being aware of what is going on in your surroundings. Where are you now? Who is around you? Don't become so engrossed in your phone or your thoughts that you miss whether someone is following you or you're in an unsuitable location. Trust your instincts: if something feels strange, it probably is.

WALK WITH PURPOSE, NOT YOUR HEAD IN THE CLOUDS: Your body language can be a powerful deterrent for potential predators. When walking, keep your head up, arms swinging, and posture upright. Walk as if you owned the location you're in. Predators are on the lookout for the inexperienced, preoccupied, and timid. Do not be any of these things. Let the world know you're a force to be reckoned with. AVOID THE “WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME” TRAP The truth is that certain places and moments simply scream danger. You recognize the locations: dark alleys, dimly lit streets, and isolated parking lots. Don't put convenience ahead of your safety. Don't stroll alone at night in unsafe neighborhoods. Avoid sitting in your car after shopping, texting, or messing with your list. Predators are watching, and you're giving them the perfect opportunity to jump into your passenger seat and take over.

PARKING LOT SURVIVAL: Check your surroundings like a pro. We've all been there: walking out of a store or restaurant, loaded with bags, and feeling like we're on autopilot as we head to our car. Don't. Take a moment to observe your surroundings. Look under the car, in the backseat, and don't only focus on your car; also examine the cars around you. If you are parked next to a large van, enter from the passenger side. Many serial offenders target women by getting them into vans while they are distracted by their own car. Stay vigilant. If you notice a man sitting alone in a car near yours and it feels strange, walk back inside the building. Get security or have a friend walk you to your car. It is better to be paranoid than to die.

ELEVATOR ETIQUETTE: Determine Your Exit Strategy. Elevators are popular targets for predators, especially if you're alone. Don't let yourself get caught in a box with a stranger simply because you were too polite to avoid him. If you're on an elevator and someone suspicious gets on, don't hesitate to exit at the next floor. Your safety is not worth the discomfort. THE PREDATOR HAS A GUN Guess what, you have a choice. If it's a life-or-death situation, run. Just. Run. According to police statistics, even the most highly trained policemen only strike their targets 40% of the time in tense conditions. A predator that shoots at you while you're running will miss 96% of the time. What are your best chances? Escape. And, while it may sound extreme, there is a genuine chance of surviving if you make that decision. Run as if your life relies on it, which it does. PLEASE STOP BEING SYMPATHETIC Your kind heart could get you killed. It's difficult to acknowledge, but our inherent desire to help others can occasionally put us in danger. Remember Ted Bundy? He was the charming, educated man who constantly used his victims' emotions by pleading for aid, feigning injury, or claiming to be in distress. Do not fall for it. Your intuition should inform you when someone is faking it. If you have any doubts, trust your instincts.

EMBRACE THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE BY RESPONDING EFFECTIVEY: If you find yourself in a violent scenario, respond instantly. Do not wait. If someone attempts to abduct you, do not allow them to take you to a remote location. Your vehicle breaks down in an isolated spot. Don't just sit there; move. Always have a plan and know your best escape route. If you're driving, you can crash at a low speed to lose their influence over you.

IF YOUR BEING FOLLOWED: Do not go home! Instead drive to the nearest police station. If you find yourself someone following you as you’re pulling into your house, don’t pull in nose first, instead reverse you’re your driveway because if they get out to approach you, you can just drive forward to push them out of the way and drive off to safety.

DON’T SCREAM FOR HELP, SCREAM FIRE INSTEAD! If you find yourself walking alone and suspect someone’s following you, scream "FIRE!" instead of "HELP!" Sounds extreme? Maybe. But here’s the deal: people tend to ignore cries for help. But a fire? That’s a legitimate emergency that’ll grab attention, and fast.

Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “That sounds a little dramatic, doesn’t it?” Well, here’s the reality: the world isn’t always as safe as we’d like to believe. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of staying safe. You might not be strolling around in search of someone to perform CPR on, but wouldn’t it be great to be ready if that moment comes? This is the same idea. Stay vigilant, stay aware, and most importantly, stay empowered.

In the end, the best defense isn't simply knowing what to do, but knowing when to act. Trust your intuition. Your safety is not negotiable!

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