Unfortunately, domestic violence and sexual crimes happen to many men and women across the globe daily. Many women worry about going out alone at night and carrying protective items such as mace or a whistle to prevent someone from harming them. We would like to think that no harm will ever befall us. But truthfully, everyone should take preventive measures against sexual crimes. While in an ideal world, we wouldn’t have to worry about such things and we really shouldn’t have to, carrying around something that will protect you from a possible crime can make the difference between life and death in some cases.
To give an example of the seriousness of this problem, the Boston Globe reported on “forcible sex offenses” at large universities between 2012 and 2013. They found that sexual assaults had increased by 40% in just one year. While this may sound alarming, the solution presented in this article to combat sexual violence will hopefully provide you with some comfort and help you to keep yourself safe.
If You See Someone Wearing This Small Black Circle, This Is What It Means
Because of the increasing number of sexual assaults worldwide, Yasmin Mustafa and Anthony Gold founded a company called ROAR with the mission to end sexual crimes against women by arming them. However, they did not equip them with guns or other dangerous weapons. While many women have used mace or worn whistles traditionally, this device that ROAR created can go one step further in preventing attacks. They designed an emergency alert device, which they named “Athena” after the Greek goddess of strength and justice, that women can wear as a fashionable necklace.
How does it work? Women simply hold down the button on the necklace for three seconds, at which point an alarm will sound. Simultaneously, it sends a text message to loved ones in order to inform them of the wearer’s location, as well as an option to call the woman or 911 with one simple click.
Finally, a device that truly empowers women (and men) worldwide and makes them feel safe and protected. From looking at it, it really just resembles a fashionable necklace. So it’s discreet enough that an attacker won’t even notice it disguises an alert system. We hope that this genius device will go a long way in protecting people worldwide from domestic violence and sexual crimes. The Athena necklace doesn’t take up much space and actually looks quite fashionable. The company recommends that women especially, from middle school age and up, should wear the necklace.
Keep these violence prevention safety tips in mind as well:
1. Pay attention to your surroundings, including your location and who is in your immediate area. Don’t get lost in your cell phone while walking.
2. If you go somewhere alone, make sure to have your phone in your hand with 911 ready to go. Walk to your car with your keys in your hand, look around, check underneath the car, get in, and promptly leave.
3. If you see a suspicious-looking vehicle parked next to your car with people just sitting in it, get in on the passenger side.
4. If you walk to your car and notice a flat tire, go back into where you came from and wait for help inside.
5. When you go out and must reveal personal information (ex. at a hotel, pharmacy, or bank), lower your voice and pay attention to your surroundings.
6. Pour your own drinks at parties. If you go to a bar, keep your drink with you at all times, or ask a trusted friend or family member to watch it for you.
7. Stay in a group when you go out to a bar or club.
8. If you need to, use your elbow to defend yourself – it’s one of the strongest parts of your body!
9. If you do get attacked, fight back with all your power, and scream for help. Do not give up.
10. Simply use caution and common sense to prevent violence. If someone asks to borrow your cell phone or asks you for directions, use your best judgment in the situation.
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