Purse Snatching

• DO NOT....carry a bag that makes you a target. A bag that dangles from the shoulder can be easily yanked off your shoulder by someone coming up from behind.
• DO NOT....carry your bag in such a manner that you can let it go if you have to. Many women have been injured because their own bags acted as handcuffs as a purse snatcher yanked it away. Be aware of your surroundings and carry your bag close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow.
• Minimize the amount of money and credit cards that you carry with you on a daily basis. Divide your money between pockets and bags.
• IF....you are the victim of a purse snatch, do not fight to hold onto your bag, especially if there is a weapon involved.

At Home

• Have your key ready before you get to the front door. Make sure your entrance area is well lit.
• If you live in an apartment don't hold the lobby door open for a stranger who has been waiting.
• Please use the door chain for verifying the identity before fully opening the door.
• List only your last name and first initial in your mailbox.
• If a stranger wants to use your phone for any kind of call from business to an emergency ..... keep him out and you make the call for them!
• If you arrive home and find your door open DO NOT GO INSIDE. Call the police from a pay phone or neighbour's house and ask them to meet you.

Coming Home Late at Night

• Avoid shortcuts that are not well travelled or well lit. Know what reputable stores are open in your neighborhood late at night.
• If you suspect that you are being followed, stay away from lonely quiet blocks and head for the store you know to be open.
• When walking to your car or on your way home, keep your keys in your hand until you are safely inside for added protection.
• If someone drops you off at home by auto, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
• If a motorist bothers you while you are walking turn around and walk in the opposite direction of the car. Do this as often as necessary and he should get discouraged.

While Driving

• Keep windows rolled up, except for a small ventilation space and keep your doors locked.
• If someone attempts to force you off the road, don't panic.....blow your horn constantly to attract attention.
• If you are forced over, as soon as you stop put your car in reverse and back away..... keep blowing the horn and moving the car as much as possible.
• If you suspect that someone is following you make a few turns down active streets if possible.
• If the auto you suspect is following you makes the same turns as you then head for the nearest police station, fire house or open store. Don't try to make it to your own quiet residential area.
• Try to park your car in a well lighted area, this is not only good from the standpoint of discouraging a personal attack on you but also for reducing the chance of auto theft. Look around before you get out of your car.
• Before getting into your car, look inside first to make sure no one is hiding in the back seat. When leaving your car, make sure it is locked.
• Use a good anti-theft lock (electronic) on your car.

Potential Red Flags for Human Trafficking Situations

The Intimate Partner or Employer:

• Comes on very strongly and promises things that seem too good to be true - i.e. promises extremely high wages for easy work.
• Expects that you will agree to the employment or relationship on the spot, and threatens that otherwise the opportunity will be lost.
• Is unclear about the terms of employment, location of employment and/or the company details/credentials.
• Partner/employer denies access to information about your rights.
• Denies contact with friends or family or attempts to isolate you from your social network.
• Constantly checks on you and does not allow you access to your money.
• Asks you to do things outside of your comfort zone such as performing sexual favors for friends.
• Displays signs/characteristics of a dangerous person including: attempts to control movement and behaviors, exhibits jealousy, lashes out or delivers punishment in response to noncompliance, is verbally/emotionally/physically abusive.
• Uses threats or displays of violence to create a culture of fear.
• If your partner asks you to do things you are uncomfortable with (forceful sex or sex acts, videotaping sexual activity/nudity, engaging in commercial sex or sex acts with his/her friends/strangers, abusing drugs/alcohol, etc.), let your partner know that it makes you uncomfortable and inform a trusted friend or relative.
• Make sure a trusted friend/relative knows where you are when with your partner, especially if you are traveling with this person or going to an unfamiliar location.
• Maintain access to all of your documents (driving license, ID card, birth certificate, passport, or visa), your bank account, and all important phone numbers and do not provide this information to your partner if you do not feel comfortable.