Visionaries: Episode 25, Minimizing victimization by Susan Gray

There are many key elements that foster victimization, and having vision loss is a big one.  Couple this with being female and living alone, a peer can often feel as though they have a target on their back.  Let’s look at some of the causes of victimization and cover some tips from peers and law enforcement that can help to minimize peers being victimized.

What causes a person to stand out to be a potential victim?  Often, it is having a disability, being young or old, living alone or having a trusting nature.  These are not factors that we can change, so learning to project an image of self-assurance and inner strength becomes essential.  When we discuss good safety protocols, there are many things we can do in advance of being out in the public spaces. 

  • Projecting a strong and confident attitude: this means working on any fear or uncertainty walking relaxed and confidently and holding your head high. 

  • Secure handbags: cross body or backpack style bags leave your hand free to hold cane or service animal and still have a hand that is not encumbered.  This is helpful for any necessary self-defense moves.

  • Buddy system: if you go out alone, always let a friend or family member know where you are going, and check in regularly.

  • Electronic personal alarm fob: these are inexpensive, rechargeable and convenient to hang on cane or bag; they emit a loud alarm if you are feeling threatened or lost

  • Learn to be loud and one good self-defense move: bad actors expect your silent fear; loud, pro-active address will correct the assumption that you are an easy target.  Training and knowing one good self-defense move like a hard step onto a bad actor’s foot can buy enough time to alert your alarm or call for help

  • When using a ride share transport, always be sure the driver is there to pick you up by asking them who they are there for, and ask them where they are taking you, ensuring safe transport and drop off location

  • Do call for help if victimized: don’t allow fear of retribution to keep you from calling law enforcement if victimized.  You might be saving someone else from becoming the next victim, and it sends a message to the perpetrator that you will report them.

While we may not be able to prevent victimization, we are able to prepare ourselves to be as protected as possible and have a plan of action to follow if we are approached by someone with ill intent. 

Next
Next

Visionaries: Episode 24, Labor day: Celebrating working peers and those that are seeking placement by Susan Gray