Special Report: Tougher Target

September 29, 2004 - - a 19-year-old female is kidnapped while walking down the street in Mission Hill.

"He rushed her from behind, and pulled her in to the back seat of the car which was occupied by another male. She was rapped at gunpoint."

Six days earlier - - a 23-year-old women caught in the same brutal situation.

"This victim was taken to an unknown and unfamiliar place where she was also raped by two suspects."

On September 27^th, a Sudbury woman answered her door, but an intruder had already slipped into her home.

"When she went to the door she was approached from the rear, pushed to the ground and knife was shown."

In each case, the suspects are still on the loose.

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
"There will always be predators out their stalking their prey and we need to know what to do to protect ourselves."

Officials warn especially during the night to remember that there's always safety in numbers - but if you are walking alone and sense something is wrong - go with your gut.

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
"The moment that something seems wrong it is wrong, you got to pay attention to that feeling."

Personal security expert Robert Siciliano says to prevent becoming victim you need to have a plan.

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
"It’s about consciously making your mind up ahead a time that in the event I was approached in that manner this is what I would do."

Siciliano says stand tall and know your surroundings.

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
"You have your chin up, your shoulders back, and you’re very conscious of what’s going on."

If you are approached on the street - or even in your home - you should first try to create distance between yourself and the assailant.

Sgt. Gary Eblan, Boston Police Department
"If a car pulls up besides me and I start to get that feeling that something is not right - immediately start going in the opposite direction."

If distance isn't an option don’t be afraid to fight back.

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
"Start clawing and scratching and spitting with everything you have. You have a much better chance of getting out of a dangerous situation if you fight back."

And of course, be as loud as possible to attract attention.

Sgt. Gary Eblan, Boston Police Department
"You don’t have to be the toughest target out there you just can’t be the easiest."

Many local law enforcement agencies and private instructors offer self-defense courses geared specifically towards women.

For more information:

http://www.rad-systems.com/programs.html