A majority of the women seen in hospital emergency rooms across the country have been the victim of assault, mainly by men that they know. The sad fact is that about 90% of rapes occur between people who already know each other and that approximately half of rapes are date rape. Date Rape is forced or coerced sex between people.

Experts say that because the majority of sexual assaults go unreported, the numbers from these studies may represent only a fraction of the actual violent crimes against women.

While these numbers may seem frighteningly high, safety authorities are quick to point out that women need not view themselves as helpless victims. Crime and safety specialists have suggested the following as the most effective precautions a woman can take to keep herself from becoming an assault statistic:

If You’re Alone, Dress to Kill

Clogs, high heels, and tight skirts are hard to run and fight in and scarves and long necklaces are easy to grab. If possible, modify your fashion style or wear comfortable clothing when alone. You can always change into dress clothes later. Or, think through how you would fight in your dress clothes. Kick off your high heels or hike up your skirt to run or kick; you can even use your high heel as a weapon.

Make Eye Contact

It may be your first instinct to lower your gaze as you walk to your destination, but looking straight into the face of potential assailants is the better option. Eye contact is important as such may scare off attackers in that they fear you will be able to identify them.

Keep your Eyes and Ears Open and your Hands Free

It is important to be alert to your surroundings. Talking on a cell phone or listening to headphones makes you a likely target as well as easy prey for a predator. Also, limit the number of bundles you have to carry by using a backpack or bag with a shoulder strap. This will ensure that your hands are free to defend yourself. Be prepared to surrender your backpack or purse as opposed to becoming the victim of a violent assault

Be Lazy

Take the Elevator Over the Stairs. And when in the elevator, stand in front of the doors, that way, if someone you feel uneasy about gets on with you, you can step off immediately.

Fight Your Inner-Woman

Experts say that women tend to be sympathetic — Don’t be! History has shown that serial killers and other criminals often play on the sympathies of unsuspecting women to lure them into dangerous situations. If someone asks for the time, directions, or help around their car, be as courteous as possible but keep moving and definitely move away from the potential assailant. You can always assist the stranger by making a phone call to the police from a safe location, or by finding others to go back and help with you.

Change It Up

Regularly change your walking routine. Plan out a few different routes that you can take and mark out “safe houses” in your mind at intervals along the way. In the event of attacks, you can escape to these shops or homes. Try to incorporate these houses every time you vary your route. If you feel you are being followed, retrace your steps to the last safe location, or walk in the opposite direction of the person or vehicle that you are suspicious of.

Be Paranoid and Suspicious

It is always better to be safe than sorry. When in a parking lot, look at the cars parked on either side of your vehicle. If a male in a vehicle is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, or if you are parked next to a van, always enter your car from the side opposite the strange vehicle. If the parking lot is dark or deserted, it may be wise to go back and find a friend or guard who can walk you to your car. Don’t be the last person out of a location and be forced to walk alone in a dark empty parking lot. Look in your vehicle’s back seat to insure no one is hiding there before you enter, then get in and lock your doors immediately.