top of page

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE

Foundations

 

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE - MODULE 1

Rape & Sexual Assaults

Synopsis

This module provides an introduction to the way sexual predators and rapists behave and act, including how they select targets/victims and gain access to them. This session is not overly concerned with the different types/categories of sexual predators, but rather the practical measures that can be taken so as not to be identified as a target, and the ways of identifying the behaviors and actions of would-be sexual predators, so that it is possible to disengage from them.

 

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE - MODULE 2

Abusive Relationships

Synopsis

Prevention is far better than a cure, and in this module, readers are introduced to the warning signs that mark out potentially abusive partners and ex-partners who may later go on to be stalkers. It may be that students are in the early stages of a relationship and will identify these signals in their partner, or it may be that they are trying to exit a relationship and these warning signs will be something that they can relate to and reinforce their case for leaving (it is not the aim of this module to offer advice on how to leave an abusive partner or resolve an abusive relationship).

 

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE - MODULE 3

Stalkers & Stalking

Synopsis

Stalking is a strange crime because it is determined by the way the victim/target perceives another person's actions and behaviors, rather than by those actions themselves. A person can make continuous phone calls, send emails, have gifts and packages delivered to another, and as long as that person doesn't feel at risk from these actions or mind them happening, they would not be defined as stalking. When these actions and behaviors form a campaign, which causes the target/recipient of them to fear for/consider their personal safety, then the term "stalking" can be applied. It is important to note that it is a string of activities committed over time, rather than odd, isolated incidents, which really define stalking.

 

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE - MODULE 4

Pepper Spray

Synopsis

Carrying a defense spray, either CS or OC (Pepper) can be a good defensive tactic and a very effective way to deal with an assailant. However, like any weapon, if you don't have the time and space to draw it, it will be of little use. Too many people become so reliant and dependent on the spray itself, they feel that they don't need to be as aware of their environment as they would be if they weren't carrying it. An attitude of "I don't need to worry too much about my personal safety, as I have my OC Spray" can definitely develop. Whilst OC or CS Spray can be effective as a self-defense tool, it becomes less so in situations where multiple attackers and/or firearms are involved; and if you are unaware of a threat or danger, you may not have the chance to even get to it.

 

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE - MODULE 5

Muggers & Robbery

Synopsis

This module looks at how to behave when dealing with muggers and other financial predators (pickpockets and the like). Certain abduction scenarios are also covered, especially when a crime such as mugging develops into a sexual assault, etc. The primary aim of this section is to debunk several myths around street robberies and muggings and how they should be handled, and replace the myths, with an understanding of the modus operandi of the common mugger, and how they should be dealt with.

 

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE - MODULE 6

Date & Acquaintance Rape

Synopsis

This module looks at date and acquaintance rape. These forms of sexual assault on women are far more common than "stranger" rape, where the victim does not know and has no prior relationship with their assailant/attacker. This module looks at the motivation(s) behind date/acquaintance rape, preventative measures that can be employed, and how to identify and predict those individuals who have and possess harmful intent towards you.

 

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE - MODULE 7

Home & Car Security

Synopsis

This module looks at some distinct situations that a person may find themselves in, and/or have concerns/questions about. Although Home Invasions are rare, (as is being at home when a burglary takes place, etc.) these are still incidents that do happen, and concern people. All of us have to travel, whether on public transport or in cars, sometimes as part of our jobs and sometimes for leisure - our travel may also see us go to foreign or different cities, etc. This module looks at preventative measures that can be put in place around the home and travel security, as well as how to non-physically deal with certain situations and scenarios, should they occur. The situational factors and principles that are demonstrated in this module should translate across scenarios and situations and not be restricted just to those explained.

 

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE - MODULE 8

De-escalation & Conflict Resolution

Synopsis

It is not only predatory individuals with pre-meditated plans to harm you that you need to be able to protect yourself from. Violence and aggression can erupt "spontaneously" due to situational factors e.g. you spill a drink over somebody, inadvertently take someone's parking space, talk to the boyfriend of a jealous lover, etc. Some of the people you will end up dealing with may be completely reactive in the way that they respond, so that is they react in the moment to the situation, without having any goal or end game in mind. Such situations have the potential to be dealt with using verbal de-escalation, avoiding the need for any physical resolution.

 

WOMEN'S PERSONAL SAFETY COURSE - MODULE 9

Managing Fear & Adrenaline

Synopsis

When we are placed in potentially dangerous situations, our fear system kicks in and we become adrenalized. This cocktail of chemicals and hormones improves certain of our abilities and functions e.g. we become more tolerant to pain, etc., and reduces others - we lose our peripheral vision and get tunnel vision, etc. Most people rarely experience these sensations and so when they do, they often panic or freeze. In this module, we will look at how to control the body's natural responses to fear and how to work with them, in order to maximize their positive effects and improve our survival chances.

bottom of page