Don't Be a Victim!

Unfortunately, we live in a country with the highest rape statistics in the world. But, you can up your safety and minimise your chances of being attacked by staying street-smart and knowing what rapists look for. After interviewing a group of rapists in a prison, a self-defence instructor learned what they go for when scoping out a target.

1. Surprisingly, the number-one thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. Men are looking for something they can grab and use as a lever, so anyone with a ponytail or a plait is considered a good target. Women with long hair need to be extra careful.

2. The number-one place women are attacked is in shopping mall parking lots. The second is office parking lots or garages, and the third is public toilets. Be on your guard in all of these places, and if anyone suspicious approaches you or calls you over, get away as quickly as possible.

3. Rapists look for women who seem distracted because they are the most likely to be caught off guard and easily overpowered. When walking to your car in any of the above places, don't talk on your phone, SMS or scrounge around in your bag. Walk quickly and purposefully, and have your tip for the car-guard ready.

4. While we tend to be more cautious in the evening, in fact rapists strike most often in the morning between 5 and 8.30am. If you like to go out for an early run, don't pick isolated areas. If you gym before work, park as close to the entrance as possible and don't loiter in the parking lot.

5. Rapists seldom carry weapons because rape with a weapon carries a much higher jail sentence than rape without. For this reason, carrying pepper-spray or learning some self-defence moves is a very good idea. Also, rapists are quickly put off by women who put up a fight. Kicking him in the groin, using your nails and screaming could convince him that you're not worth the trouble.

Author: Susan Hayden