A push-in and a rape attempt

Random violence, stalking, push-in and a rape attempt

You probably read about it all the time. "Random violence" - a stranger jumping out from the shadows to assault you.

While this may happen (leaving the random part out), it is far more likely that you are either assaulted by someone you know. Or, if it is a stranger, that the attack occurs close to, or at your residence.

After looking into more than 5000 cases of women fighting back, and talking to researchers, police and numerous victims, we know it is so.

One of the methods perpetrators may use is commonly referred to as a push-in, exemplified here. You should also note that the attacker followed (stalked) his intended victim before striking.

A 24-year-old British man stalked, assaulted and tried to rape a young female doctor from Sheffield on her own doorstep.

The man followed the woman to her flat late at night October 2007. He then attacked her as she opened her door. The woman suddenly found herself thrown forward into her home, landing on her back. The assailant then straddled the would-be victim and tried to rape her.

The woman reportedly fought her attacker, trying to stop him from pinning her down. When her mobile phone rang, the man allegedly gave up and fled.

And today's women's self-defense tip is...?

First of all it is to be aware of your surrounding as you are about to enter your home or car. Secondly - always make a habit of having your keys ready in hand before you get to the door. Your set of keys is a potential self-defense weapon. And of course, keeping them ready in hand as you approach the door, reduces the time it takes to actually open the door.