P - Pathway. Know the pathways you consistently travel to school, work and sport. Consider where you could be attacked and zone the areas of your pathway based on their danger level. Safest areas (green zone), fairly dangerous areas (amber zone) and obvious areas where an attacker could strike (red zone). The corresponding lights should dictate your awareness.
R - Ring. Mobile phones can be a double-edged sword. Texting, talking and social media can be a distraction as you travel and give the perception of a lack of awareness and increase your likelihood for attack. On the other hand, if you feel like you’re in an uncomfortable situation (perhaps being followed) you should call a loved one or police for help.
E - Eye contact. The perception of strength can easily be conveyed by looking a possible attacker in the eye. Letting the attacker know that you are completely aware of their presence decreases their ability to surprise you, and is likely to turn off the attack.
V - Vary. By changing your pathway and time frames you become unpredictable. For example, vary the times you go for a walk or jog and change your direction regularly.
E - Ear phones. People who run or walk with earphones are giving off a strong message of decreased awareness. Earphones, even with low volume, are counterproductive to your safety.
N - Never take dangerous short cuts. More often than not when you take a short cut, it’s through an alley, side street, car park, creek or park. These areas can be empty of people (and therefore help or witnesses) and could be locations for illegal activity. Exposing yourself to these areas is like walking into the lion’s den.
T - Tell people where you are. People closest to you are the ones most likely to recognise your absence. Tell them your plans and when you expect to be somewhere. Check in and out. If something is unusual, they can get help.
