How to Be Safe in an Unsafe World - Rilegato

Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D., is an eminent Yale-trained psychiatrist, a leading psychological educator, and a best-selling author. His books, including How to Survive the Loss of a Love and How to Heal Depression, have sold more than six million copies and been translated into twenty-four languages.

Robert K. Cooper, Ph.D., earned his doctorate in health and psychology. His background includes work as an executive security and protection specialist.

10 Ways To Be Safer In An Unsafe World
1. Refrain from yelling the word "Help" when being attacked and scream words like "Fire" instead. Statistics show that bystanders are less likely to lend aid when a victim yells, "Help!"
2. Avoid asking an assailant questions beginning with "what" or "why" (such as "What are you doing?" or "Why are you hurting me?"), which will only provoke more hostility. Ask questions that begin with "when" (such as "When did you become so angry?"), which will help de-escalate your assailant's anger.
3. Whether you are on the street, in a subway, or even in a car, never return a predatory stare.
4. If you are outside your car and face an armed carjacker, give up your vehicle. Never enter a car at gunpoint. Run away from your assailant in a zig-zag fashion.
5. For women: Place a few "male" props, like a baseball cap, necktie, or male basketball shoes, on the seat of your car.
6. If you have a flat tire, call 911 on your cellular phone or drive slowly to the nearest safe place and seek help, even if you ruin your tire.
7. When a conversation heats up at home, call a "time-out" and wait until tempers have cooled to rationally discuss the conflict with the other person, or to sort things out on your own. (Statistics also show that talking on a full stomach can help prevent major fights.)
8. If it appears that a break-in has occurred, or that an intruder is in your home or workplace when you arrive, do not enter.
9. Create a "safe room" (secure from break-ins) in your home and a "safe space" (through meditation) within yourself.
10. Advocate establishing more shelters for women and children. The United States currently has three times as many animal shelters as it has shelters for battered women.