Must Read: How to Protect Yourself While Walking the Street

No one ever thinks that they could be the victim of a violent crime. It’s always the other
guy. And that’s completely true, until the other guy happens to be you. That’s why it’s important to take every necessary precaution to ensure your safety when walking the streets, whether you live in the biggest city or the smallest town. There’s not much to it, besides a little common sense and preparation.
The first (and most essential) step to personal safety is avoiding danger in the first place. If you happen to live in a neighborhood that’s seen a recent increase in crime, keep off the streets at night. If you have to be out past dark, try to limit your exposure. If possible, park in your garage rather than the street.
Likewise, when you’re walking the street after dark, don’t draw attention to yourself. Flashy jewelry can attract both the right and wrong attention; your watch is equally impressive to potential dates at the bar and to a criminal on the prowl. If you see a group of sketchy individuals walking down the sidewalk towards you, don’t make a move across the street. Instead, keep your wits about you, and continue on your path. If you don’t show fear, and don’t give them any reason to antagonize you, you have a much better chance of reaching your destination unmolested.
So what should you do if you are involved in a confrontation? If it can’t be avoided, try to resolve things without violence. Calmly tell the antagonist that you’re not looking for trouble. If that doesn’t defuse the situation, begin to walk away.
If the aggressor becomes violent, immediately give him whatever you’re looking for. After all, what’s in a wallet? Credit cards, licenses, even cash can be replaced. Nothing is worth losing your life over. You may be tempted to make a fuss and “be the big man”, but make the intelligent move and calmly hand over whatever he or she is looking for.
If your attacker is after more than simple possessions, than you may be forced to meet violence with violence. If you’re unarmed, go for the vitals. The most obvious place to hit a man is in the genitals. That should buy you at least a few moments to get up and run. However you defend yourself, make enough noise to alert any passersby that you’re under duress.
If you live in a dangerous area, you may want to consider purchasing some form of self-defense. Popular options include mase, tasers, and handguns. If you’re looking for a non-lethal option, the most effective is probably the taser. In many municipalities, a permit isn’t needed to purchase a taser, so there’s no waiting period.
However you choose to prepare yourself for the possibility of an altercation with an aggressive attacker, take every precaution that you can. You never know who might be lurking behind the next corner. Don’t let crime control you; take the necessary steps to stay safe, and you’ll be ready in the worst case scenario