NCJ Number
105011
Date Published
1986
Length
132 pages
Annotation
The author, who is National director of the Guardian Angels (an organization created to protect people in the streets from crime) relies on her years of experience as a Guardian Angel to provide women with physical and mental defense tactics for self-protection.
Abstract
She shows through photographs and discussion, how the body (fingers, teeth, heels, and knees) and personal possessions (keys, spray perfume, comb, and purse) can be life-saving weapons when used correctly against the attacker. She provides tips on ways to avoid attacks while at home, on mass transit, in a shopping mall or a parking lot, on the street, and other potentially vulnerable areas. She emphasizes a positive mental attitude may prevent potential assault. She emphasizes developing heightened awareness, projecting confidence, avoiding potentially dangerous situations, and following basic instincts; if attacked, she advises fending off the attacker long enough so that a get-away is possible. The psychology of the criminal/attacker is presented: it is believed that females are frequently victims to crime and physical assault because attackers perceive them to be powerless and accessible victims. The author concludes by answering questions commonly asked about the legal ramifications of fighting back.