How to Protect Yourself from Perverts

Co-authored by Frank Blaney and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: January 10, 2022 References

Personal protection is one of the best ways to prevent crimes.^{[1]
X
Research source} A lot of times, crimes only happen because a criminal saw an opportunity to commit one—and that includes sexual assault. Like any safety tips, these aren’t a guarantee, but they can give you a little more confidence when you’re out and about or home alone. Keep reading to learn how you can stay safe and protect yourself from perverts.

1

Cover your webcam.

Use a sticker or a piece of tape to cover your camera. Even if you aren’t using your webcam, hackers can access the camera and use it to spy on you. Use a tape, a sticker, or a custom webcam blocking slider to protect yourself while you surf the web.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
Go to source}
- You can also get a microphone blocker that plugs into your computer to silence any sound coming in. That way, if someone hacks into your microphone, they won’t be able to hear you.

2

Don’t post your personal information online.

Your full name and address can be used to track you down. Always use a nickname for your user names, and don’t post your address or your phone number online. Check out your privacy settings on social media to make sure only your friends can see your accounts to avoid online predators.^{[3]
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Research source}
- Never accept follow or friend requests from people you don’t know. It could be someone using a fake name to get access to your account.

3

Lock your doors and windows.

Even during the daytime, keep yourself safe at home. Perverts will sometimes check random homes to see if they can get inside easily. If you’re home by yourself or you live alone, be sure to secure your house at all times.^{[4]
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Research source}
- If you want to feel extra secure, consider installing a home alarm system.
- Getting to know your neighbors can really help you feel more secure at home. That way, if you ever run into trouble, you can call or text someone who’s right next door.

4

Close your curtains and blinds.

Peeping Toms sometimes peer in through your windows. If you’re at home and it’s dark outside, be sure to cover up your windows so no one can see in. If you don’t have blinds or curtains, you can also put a privacy film on your windows to keep people from looking inside. Be sure to cover your windows before undressing or changing to protect your privacy.^{[5]
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Research source}

5

Stick to well-lit areas.

If you’re out alone at night, choose a safe, well-lit route. Try to walk in areas underneath street lights and public places with well-lit storefronts. If you have to walk down a dark area or near a dark alleyway, take a friend with you or call someone as you walk.^{[6]
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Research source}
- You should also try to stick to main roads rather than secluded neighborhood ones. Main roads usually have cameras on them, which can deter criminals.

6

Walk with a purpose.

Keep your head held high and your eyes forward. Don’t meander, and walk as quickly as you can to your destination. If you look lost or confused, you could be seen as a target. If you have to stop and check your phone to see where you’re going, head to a public area to sit down for a minute.^{[7]
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Research source}
- Similarly, don’t wear headphones when you’re walking alone. You need to be able to hear everything going on around you, just in case something shady happens.

7

Keep your keys in your hand.

They can be used as a weapon in an emergency. Hold your keys in your hand either in your pocket or just in your fist. It will also help you unlock your car or your door a little bit faster when you reach your destination.^{[8]
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Research source}
- It might help to push your keys through your fingers so the sharp edges stick out.

8

Have your phone on you at all times.

Keep your close friends on speed dial so you can call them right away. If you’re walking alone at night or you get into a sticky situation, call a friend or relative. If you feel like your life is in danger, call emergency services right away.^{[9]
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Research source}
- If you’re far from home, bring a portable phone charger with you. That way, your phone won’t die before the night is over.

9

Protect your drink in public.

Never leave your drink unattended when you’re in a public place. Unfortunately, perverts may slip something into your drink to drug you while you’re not looking. If you have to go to the bathroom, take your drink with you.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
Largest anti-sexual assault organization in the US providing support and advocacy for survivors
Go to source}
- Never accept an open drink from someone unless you saw the bartender pour it. That way, you know exactly what’s in it and how strong it is.

10

Say no firmly.

If anyone approaches you, be direct and be firm. Sometimes, perverts will proposition you as a scare tactic. If anyone asks you a question that you aren’t comfortable with, say “no” loudly and with force. This will also alert the people around you so you can get help if you need it.^{[11]
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Research source}
- You can sometimes throw a potential assaulter off by standing up to them and asserting yourself.
- If you're looking at a potentially violent conflict, try to distract him by asking him something completely unrelated to what they're trying to address, not engaging in the attempt to accelerate the conflict will throw them off a little bit.^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Frank Blaney
  Certified Tai Chi & Qigong Instructor
  Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.}

11

Stand up to anyone harassing you.

Don’t worry about being polite to anyone making you uncomfortable. If you get a bad feeling or someone is overstepping their boundaries, feel free to walk away or call them out. They’re the ones harassing you, so you don’t owe them anything.^{[13]
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Research source}
- If you are rude to someone, it’s safer to be rude in a public place. That way, if they get mad, you can call for help.
- It actually helps to maintain firm eye contact. Also, make sure the voice is very firm and authoritative. If you're sitting down, stand up and make it real clear that you are not comfortable with how this conversation is going.^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Frank Blaney
  Certified Tai Chi & Qigong Instructor
  Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.}

12

Leave situations if you feel uncomfortable.

Trust your gut, and don’t stick around if you feel weird. When you get a gut feeling, your body is actually picking up on subtle things that your brain hasn’t noticed yet. Even if you can’t explain it, you can always head home early because you just feel off.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
Largest anti-sexual assault organization in the US providing support and advocacy for survivors
Go to source}
- Remember that it’s okay to lie if you want to exit a situation right away. Tell a friend you’re about to throw up or say that you feel sick if you have to.
- Your first and number one goal is to maintain and preserve your physical safety. Nine times out of ten are not going to require any physical violence, all you gotta do is to take the initiative and actually physically remove yourself from that space.^{[16]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Frank Blaney
  Certified Tai Chi & Qigong Instructor
  Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.}

13

Scream or yell if you are being attacked.

Be as loud as you possibly can, even if you can’t see anyone nearby. The more noise you make, the more chance you have of being heard by someone passing by. Plus, if you make a lot of noise and resist, attackers are less likely to continue on with their attack.^{[17]
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Research source}
- Screaming “Fire!” has been proven to get the attention from strangers very quickly.

14

Hit attackers in the groin or throat.

If you are being assaulted, you can fight back physically. If you can, reach up and punch your attacker in the throat to wind them. Or, kick them in the groin to get them to double over. As soon as they let you go, run away and yell for help as loud as you can.^{[18]
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Research source}
- If you carry pepper spray, point it at your attacker’s face and then press the button. Aim for the eyes to cause as much discomfort as possible.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you protect yourself from predatory men?

Frank Blaney
Certified Tai Chi & Qigong Instructor
Frank Blaney is a Certified Qigong and Tai Chi Instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience. Passionate about making Qigong more accessible to people, Frank is the author of "Qigong: The Quick & Easy Start-Up Guide." He also holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Jujitsu and trains executives and staff of corporations, NGOs, and communities in self-care, personal performance and conflict resolution. He holds an MA in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding from California State University Dominguez Hills.

Frank Blaney

Certified Tai Chi & Qigong Instructor

Expert Answer

Utilize again your body language and your words to set up some verbal boundaries. The more direct you can make that and more clear in tone, without yelling and showing you're scared, the better.