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Common Sense Tips for Personal Safety (Tip 8 of 16)

February 20th, 2010 | by Mike & Vicki Neiman

In this series of articles over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some quick tips that can help you and those you love stay safer.

Click here for Tip #1, Click here for Tip #2, Click here for Tip #3, Click here for Tip #4, Click here for Tip #5, Click here for Tip #6, Click here for Tip #7

These tips came about after we attended many self defense classes taught by martial artists who trained daily. The techniques they taught were difficult, if not impossible, to execute—or even remember unless practiced consistently.

So, we decided it would be more beneficial to everyone if there were a program that focused on staying safe and avoiding dangerous situations. There had to be a common sense approach to safety. But, we also knew it had to go beyond being confronted or grabbed by an attacker.

These tips are not the only ways to be aware or safe, but they do address many areas. The tips are for children as well as adults—so parents will want to share the information with their children.

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Tip #8: You have the right to say NO

Facts: 90% of college women knew their attacker BEFORE the assault. Of female sexual assault victims, 73% knew their attacker BEFORE the assault. Girls 16-19 are four times more likely to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault than the general population.

People are taught to beware of strangers; STRANGER DANGER is over emphasized. While avoiding strangers, they let the cashier they see every week or the neighbor across the street get close to them because it would be rude to not be nice to them.

Remember you have the right to say NO and to mean it. If someone tells you NO, you have an obligation to honor them.

Tags: common sense, personal safety, self defense

About the author: Mike & Vicki Neiman

Masters Vicki and Mike Neiman own and operate South Central Taekwando with locations in Hastings and Grand Island. They have trained more than 165 Black Belts. They have been inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame both individually and as a husband-wife team. In addition to martial arts instruction in a number of disciplines, the Neimans are advocates of healthy lifestyles and essential nutrition.