"Safety and Awareness"

Tracy Ewert

National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.org/topics/by-audience/teens

link for audio: http://www.ncpc.org/cms/cms-upload/prevent/files/arcade_player.swf

A good place for information on cyber-bullying, identity theft, anger management, inhalants, and hate crimes, this site contains many basics for keeping yourself safe. Volunteering for your community is also very big on this site, as it references places where you can go to do service work. With ideas about how you can affect homeland security to what you can do about the graffiti in your neighborhood, this site is all about keeping it safe before something serious happens.

Girls Inc: www.girlsinc.org/ic/page.php?id=1.2.6

"...one in four girls in grades 9 through 12 (26 percent) has been the victim of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or date-forced sex."

This site not only has statistics that will make you think twice about letting Mr. Friendly there get too close, they also detail the affects of child abuse, sexual abuse, and violence. BOLD is Girls Inc movement to fight back against violence against girls, which you can get involved in. Although not visually exciting or filled with tips on how to protect yourself, the website will open your eyes.

Girls Health: www.4girls.gov/safety/index.htm

"Most teens think that nothing bad will ever happen to them, but the numbers tell a different story. Did you know that almost half of all rape victims are 18 or younger? It's important to be aware of these risks, and it's important to know that you do have the power to help keep yourself safe."

Don't be deceived by the purple-y background or the pictures of thirteen-year-old girls; this website is chalked full of great information about violence prevention. Ranging from staying safe in a relationship to being safe on the road, this site offers "Safety Smart" quizzes and hotlines to call. Plus, tips to boot about keeping yourself safe in different social situations and walking in an unfamiliar territory!

Safety for Women: www.safetyforwomen.com

"I've seen it all in the movies and read it in the papers. But those things happen to others and not to me - or so I thought... No one is immune to violence. Doesn't it make sense to know how to be AWARE and also be PREPARED before it's too late?"

This site is a definite keeper. For men and women alike, SafteyForWomen focuses on stopping all sexual and abusive violence. There are tips of the day and polls on domestic violence and assault, as well as an online community and ads that will help you instead of offended you. You can get advice on how to get out of an abusive situation and access healthy thoughts to tell yourself when in a dangerous situation such as it is not your fault, no one should ever hit you. I give this site the highest rating possible.

About: Student Travel: studenttravel.about.com/od/womenstudenttravelers/a/womentips.htm

"Look and act confident. Be alert. Use common sense. Always stride along like you know where you're going. Don't slink, glancing furtively around you. Being young and female is great - enjoy it!"

Being safe is one thing. Then there is staying in your house all day long because there could be someone who wants to hurt you. Don't let these bullies scare you from going out and doing the things you love. Fight back while still being safe. About: Student Travel is a site dedicated to teaching women how to travel safely. With fun and interesting advice such as, "Muggers aren't interested in your bra. Sew pockets into it where you can keep some folded cash; if you do get mugged, you're not left helpless," I'm sure that you'll be laughing while learning some well-needed tips. The site is very cleverly thought out. I'm sure that you'll be feeling proud when you take that well needed vacation.

Peer Harassment: bernicesandler.com/id49.htm

"Students still openly defend the shouting of ugly sexist epithets on the ground of freedom of speech, and openly argue that victims of sexual violence who have come forward were either asking for it, or were lying."

Peer Harassment is just as scary and dangerous as any other type of harassment. Although this site only pertains to college peer harassment, it can be anywhere. This site identifies different types of situations and addresses how to handle them. Did you know that people joke about rape and harassment as if it were funny? Well they cover that, too. In addition, there is whole article about women who let guys pour beer on them and participate in wet t-shirt contests. When it comes to the bases, this site has them all covered.

Street Harassment Project: www.streetharassmentproject.org

"BECAUSE women are terrorized daily in public spaces, our personal space violated by men who block our paths, stand too close, use a too intimate and insulting language toward us...BECAUSE this behavior is implicitly menacing and threatening and often becomes overtly threatening when a woman expresses her anger at these affronts...BECAUSE the line between verbal harassment and physical menacing is often crossed...BECAUSE on June 11, 2000, hundreds of men assaulted, stripped and fondled over 56 women in the public space of Central Park and the rage of women in the city exploded..."

The Street Harassment Project is a movement that you can get involved in. Their intention is to fight street harassment of women by men in all of its forms with their ultimate goal of having a society where women can go wherever we want, in freedom and in safety. Share stories; go to meets; stand up. You can not only fight back for yourself, but for women just like you.

Fight Like A Girl: www.rapeescape.com

"In a stranger-rape situation, if he allows you to see his face, you get his name, or you can somehow otherwise identify your attacker, and he knows it, it's all the more important to get away from him, even if he has a knife and you are risking injury. Because unless he's quite inexperienced, he's likely to kill you to leave no witnesses." John Douglas, legendary FBI profiler

Don't be offended by their title. Think of it as a way to empower yourself. This site is coming up with a completely new definition of the old cliche. You ever wanted to take a course on self-defense? You can buy the DVD. This DVD will show you simple defense moves for when you are being attacked. Taught by trained police officers this DVD can be done within the safety and comfort of your home, so you can maintain you safety and comfort. Making it easy and fun to fight back, this site is filled with tons of articles that you can discuss with other members on the site. They even have a self-defense blog you can join. Learning how to protect yourself has never been this easy.