| A challenging economy has many ramifications and | | | | to practice and pass along: |
| one is a drastic increase in crime - often against | | | | |
| women. Ordinary people do extraordinary things to | | | | 1. Trust your gut feelings. People you know might be |
| feed their families, keep their homes, medical benefits | | | | feeling and acting differently during financial and |
| and lifestyle. | | | | relational stress. Listen to the little voice that guides |
| The frantic mode much of the country is in right | | | | you. What may have been safe before may not |
| now, incessantly perpetuated by media (because it is | | | | now. Exit situations when you feel the need to do so |
| news), can inspire fear and panic in even the most | | | | and avoid feeling obligated to apologize or explain. It |
| enthusiastic of optimists. | | | | may put you in greater danger. |
| Domestic violence shelters are currently overflowing | | | | 2. Confident body language is a great way to repel, |
| with middle and upper income women they rarely see | | | | instead of attract, attackers. Hold your head up, |
| in normal economic times. Relationships are dissolving | | | | shoulders back, walk with purpose, swing your arms |
| as lifestyles change and the "for richer or poorer, in | | | | and be ready to yell 911 and run if necessary. |
| good times and in bad" is a distant memory. | | | | 3. Carry only necessities with you. If a thief wants |
| Sometimes people find that life just rolled by and | | | | your stuff, give it up quickly or you risk your life. |
| when it comes time to depend on one another, they | | | | Your purse should contain only what you need for |
| are all alone. This creates depression, stress, doubt, | | | | wherever you are. If you don't need six credit cards |
| insecurity, fear, resentment, illness, anger, low | | | | at work, they shouldn't be in your purse when you |
| self-esteem, chaos, a feeling of weakness and other | | | | are there. |
| negative influences. | | | | Keep in mind the economy has tumbled before and |
| Women, are commonly selected as victim targets | | | | will again in the future. Count your blessings even |
| just as children and seniors are because they are | | | | when money isn't one of them and you will be |
| viewed as "weaker" by cowardly, insecure attackers. | | | | mentally and emotionally stronger than the majority |
| Women are also the "safety monitors" in families and | | | | of people around you, which makes you a less likely |
| workplaces. Therefore, here are 3 simple safety tips | | | | victim prospect. |