Protect Yourself From Violent Crime
A list of tips for adults on staying safe
- Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted.
- When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.
- Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day.
- Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets such as pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.
- If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.
- Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.
- Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.
- Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.
- Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.
- If a dating partner has abused you, do not meet him or her alone. Do not let him or her in your home or car when you are alone.
- If you are a battered spouse, call the police or sheriff immediately. Assault is a crime, whether committed by a stranger or your spouse or any other family member. If you believe that you and your children are in danger, call a crisis hotline or a health center (the police can also make a referral) and leave immediately.
- If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life.
- If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.
Signs of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence often starts with threats, name-calling, and slamming doors. It can build up to pushing, slapping, and other violent acts. If you are concerned about your relationship ask yourself the following questions.
Does your partner:
-Embarrass you with put downs?
-Look at you or act in ways that scare you?
-Control what you do, who you see or talk to, or where you go?
-Stop you from seeing your friends or family members?
-Take your money or paycheck, make you ask for money, or refuse to give you money?
-Make all of the decisions?
-Tell you that you're a bad parent or threaten to take away or hurt your children?
-Threaten to commit suicide?
-Prevent you from working or going to school?
-Act like the abuse is no big deal or is your fault, or even deny doing it?
-Destroy your property or threaten to kill your pets?
-Intimidate with guns, knives, or other weapons?
-Shove you, slap you, choke you, or hit you?
-Threaten to kill you?
If any of these things or other types of abuse are happening, you need to seek help. It's important to know that you are not alone. The way your partner acts is not your fault. Help is available. If you live in the Cleveland area and are in need of immediate assistance please call the Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center at 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 216-391-HELP (4357) or the Family HelpLine at 216-229-8800.
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