It can be a very difficult thing to face. Whether you are a man or woman, the crime statistics against women can be downright bone chilling. However, these crime statistics should be used to compel ourselves and our communities into action. Here are some crime statistics that can help push you out of your comfort zone and spur you into action. The results of many studies and the compilation of many reports point to one overriding fact: the violence against women is very real and very strong. Understanding this is the first step towards doing something to change these horrible numbers and frightening statistics.

Statistics regarding the relationship between victim and offender

There has been much anecdotal evidence that supports the idea that most victims are very familiar with their own attackers. But do the numbers seem to back this claim up? In general, it appears that this is true for women. Men, in general, appeared more likely to be violently victimized by a total stranger. For women, however, the connection is much closer. Most women were more likely to be victimized by an acquaintance, friend and intimate. In recent years, about seven in ten female sexual assault or rape victims made statements that their offender was a friend, acquaintance or intimate. When it comes to theft and robbery, a stranger robbed about half of all females’ interviews.

Statistics regarding murder of female victims

In general, nearly half (43%) of women murdered were murdered by someone they were acquainted with or knew closely. Strangers murdered approximately 14% of recently reported murders.

Statistics involving violence of an intimate nature

It appears there is a strong statistical correlation between female victims of violence and offenders that are also intimate. In general, about 1 in 320 households were affected by intimate partner violence. Victims of this type of violence are much more likely to be female. In the 1990s, the rate of nonfatal intimate violence took a nosedive, declining by nearly half between the years of 1993 and 2001.

Statistics related to time of occurrence of violence against women

In general, there is a strong statistical link between rapes and sexual assaults of women during the night hours. More specifically, nearly two-thirds of all rapes and sexual assaults were reported to have occurred between the night hours of 6 pm and 6 am.

Where do most crimes against women occur?

In general, it appears that most crimes perpetrated against women occur near or at the victim’s home. The location of about ¼ of all violent crimes appear to take place either near the victim’s home, or at the victim’s home. Other than the victim’s home, the other most common locales for violent crimes against women include streets near the victim’s house, near a commercial establishment or at school. For the most violent of crimes, nearly half of them occurred within a mile of the victim’s home, and the majority occurred within at least five miles of the victim’s home.

The truth about alcohol and crime victimization

It is estimated that nearly a million violent crimes occur on an annual basis in which alcohol was somehow involved. Roughly two-thirds of all victims who have suffered some form of violence from an intimate reported that alcohol was an important factor. Reports from spousal victims of violent crime indicate that 3 out of 4 incidents involved the offender drinking alcohol. It is estimated that roughly 31 percent of cases where a stranger was victimized, the victim reported that the offender was drinking. In general, there is a very real connection between alcohol use and the victimization of women.

Sadly, it is still an unfortunate fact that women, despite increased visibility and discussion of these issues, are still under threat of significant acts of violence. What are the most common crimes against women, and how they can they be protected against? With increased awareness and vigilance, it is much more likely that the chains and cycles of violence against women can be broken for good.

Domestic violence against women

Without a doubt, one of the most common types of violence directed against women has to do with domestic violence. Domestic violence is that violence that occurs inside the home, usually at the hands of a spouse, boyfriend or significant other. Domestic violence is one of the major reasons why so many young women must seek shelter. Domestic violence, like all forms of violence, is not something women seek out. The best way to stay safe from domestic violence is to keep an eye open for signs of anger and hostility from your mate, boyfriend or husband. After an initial outburst of physical of verbal abuse, it is important to understand that things will not change on their own. It is very important to seek shelter immediately after any form of domestic violence is experienced at home.

Rape, assault and sexual violence against women

Unfortunately, these forms of violence are not uncommon. You have probably already heard the frightening statistics that many women will experience this kind of violence at some moment in their life. Sexual violence against women continues with the most harrowing and difficult experiences of any women’s life. A woman may know or not know of the purveyor of this type of violence. In fact, many studies indicate that a woman is more likely to be sexually assaulted by someone they know, and then by a complete stranger. This is an important fact to keep in mind. Many of us still hold on to the image of a woman being attacked late at night in a dim alley somewhere. The truth is that our own bedrooms can be the place to experience sexual violence. How can you keep from experiencing this kind of sexual violence? First, always be aware of your surroundings when you go out. To not drink in excess, especially if you are in public. Do not rely anybody for transportation or accept drinks from people that you don’t know. Avoid being held late in places that you don’t know well, and make sure to use a buddy system when you go out. Stay close to someone you can trust, and make sure that to you check-in on each other throughout the night. These are all common sense tips if you plan to go out on the town for the night, but what if your predator is closer to home?

Protecting yourself from sexual violence at home

The sad truth is that most forms of sexual violence occur with someone that you already know. This means a greater chance to you’ll experience sexual violence with someone you think you can trust, such as a boy friend or husband. If you feel threatened by your significant other, the best you can do is get out of the situation as quickly and safely as possible. Seek help from friends or family members that you can trust. Contact your local women’s shelter. Do not stick around to see what happens. The odds are that if you are threatened or have already experienced some kind of domestic violence, your partner will most likely only continue to perpetuate this kind of activity. Sexual violence against women continues with the most harrowing and difficult experiences of any women’s life. In order to experience rape, assault and sexual violence, a woman may know or not know of the purveyor of this type of violence. In fact, many studies indicate that a woman is more likely to be sexually assaulted by someone they know, than by a complete stranger. This is an important fact to keep in mind. Many of us still hold on to the image of a woman being attacked played at night in a dim alley somewhere.

With increased attention to crime rates and violence against women, self defense has become an important topic when it comes to discussing the safety of women. More and more people have armed themselves with their own stash of self-defense weapons. If you’re interested in the latest and most effective self-defense weapons for women, here is just a sampling of what is currently available on the self defense market.

Pepper spray continues its r reign of the self defense market

One of the most lasting self-defense items on the self defense market is good old pepper spray. The mace pepper gun continues to be an effective, easy and inexpensive tool that can be used for personal impoundment and self defense and all sorts of situations. Most of these pepper guns are small and easy to hold and carry. Most pepper guns can be used several times, with an average life span of twenty bursts. Most mace pepper guns can be used on the attackers located up to 25 ft. away. Many people prefer to carry these sprays because they are not lethal, although they are very effective. Pepper gun sprays, in general, cause the attackers eyes’ to burn and disables them at least temporarily. There have been many improvements in pepper spray in recent years. Of course, in order for pepper spray to be truly effective, you have to make sure that you carry it on hand at all times. There is also even a cute new mace pepper spray product that can help keep women safe. It doubles as a lip gloss and comes gracefully packaged in a bright holder.

Haven of security with a camera system

Are you concerned about keeping your home, your property and yourself safe from predators? If so, you may very well want to consider installing a complete camera system around your home. There many affordable security system packages that can help you keep your property safe. Most of these packages include a camera, LCD monitor and all the cables and components that you need to keep your security system up and running. A complete security system could help you keep your home safe, and that means you’ll also be safe while at in your home. This is an easy way to keep track of what is happening around your house when you are away.

Becoming your own protector with a martial arts DVD

There are many DVDs that you can play and watch at home that can help you protect yourself. With so many martial arts and instructional fighting DVDs, you will be sure to find something that can help you hone your self defense skills. Your ability to protect yourself while at home and away is key to your overall safety. Make sure that you can keep an eye on your property when you are away.

Carry with you a personal alarm at all times

One of the simplest and most practical ways to stay safe is to carry personal alarm. Many companies have their own version of a personal alarm. In most cases, personal alarms system will include an emergency flasher, a flashlight and some kind of sonic alert component. A personal alarm should be small, personal and portable. Look for a personal alarm that is easy to carry. For instance, a personal alarm that can connect to your key ring is a good idea. A personal alarm should ideally include a component for all senses. A flashing light will get attention from a distance, and a whistle or a long, sound will be sure to catch someone’s attention.