LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- One in three women in Arkansas have been raped, physically assaulted or stalked.
This according to a new report out by the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In the same study, 420,000 women surveyed said they had experienced at least one of those types of violence by a partner.
Those numbers only tell half the story. The Little Rock Police Department tells Today's THV that many instances of domestic and sexual violence are not reported.
Devin Shirley is a self-defense instructor with Krav Fit in Little Rock and says many people believe they will never be a victim of a violent attack.
"That seems to be one of the more common ideas that people have," says Shirley. "They think they live in a good neighborhood, they never go to a certain part of town but you can't really predict what's going to happen so you always have to be ready."
Shirley also points out that our favorite technological devices, such as an iPod or smartphone, can put us at risk.
"People tend to use that too much and they're not paying attention to what's going on," says Shirley. "They tend to get that tunnel vision and lose sight of all that's going on around them."
If you have never taken a self defesne class before and find yourself being attacked, Shirley says to go off the body's natural reaction.
"When I put my hands around your throat, your first reaction is to come up and try and pull me away," says Shirley. "We're going to build on that and I want you to make a strong, explosive plucking motion and you're going to go against my thumbs, which is the weakest part of my grip."
Click on the video above to see this move in action!
The
National Crime Prevention Council has compiled a list of tips for protecting yourself from violent crime. They include:
-Don't walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted.
-When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.
-Carry only the money you'll need on a particular day.
-Don't display your cash or any other inviting targets such as pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.
-If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don't be afraid to yell for help.
-Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.
-Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.
-Always lock your car, even if it's in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.
-Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.
-If a dating partner has abused you, do not meet him or her alone. Do not let him or her in your home or car when you are alone.
-If you are a battered spouse, call the police or sheriff immediately. Assault is a crime, whether committed by a stranger or your spouse or any other family member. If you believe that you and your children are in danger, call a crisis hotline or a health center (the police can also make a referral) and leave immediately.
-If someone tries to rob you, give up your property-don't give up your life.
-If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.
And during this holiday shopping time, the LRPD says to be especially vigilant to keep yourself from becoming a victim.
-Park in a will lit area.
-Never carry more than one credit card at a time.
-Store your purchased items in your trunk between shopping trips.
-Have your car key's in your hand before leaving the store.
-Make sure your cellular phone has a fully charged battery.
-Let someone know where your going and what time your expected home.
-Try and shop with a friend- there is power in numbers.
-If your car breaks down stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and call 911.
-Leave your purse locked in the trunk of your car.
-Carry your money, credit cards and drivers license in your front pockets.
-Never advertise your money by counting it in the aisles or in front of others.
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