What Rapists Look For in a Target

Research shows there are some specific things rapists look for when choosing a target. Armed with some of this information, you could avoid becoming a victim.

• Hairstyle – If you are wearing a hairstyle that can be grabbed easily, watch out. Women who wear their hair long, in a ponytail, bun, or braid make it easy for the bad guy to get you off balance then take you down. Short hair is tougher to grab, which makes you a less attractive target.

• Clothing – Rapists look for outfits that are loose or can be removed quickly. Some even carry scissors or a knife to make it easier to get to you in a hurry.

• Women, who are not paying attention to their surroundings and doing things like talking on a cell phone, going through a bag, or any of a dozen other common activities while walking anywhere, are great targets. A woman who is caught off-guard cannot defend herself well.

Since we know that men are most likely to do the unspeakable in the early morning hours (between 5:00 and 8:30) that’s the time to pay attention to checking the area before going through your morning routine of leaving the house, locking your doors, getting in your vehicle, etc. Here too, operating on autopilot can get you in trouble.

The key to self defense is to pay attention.