As women, it’s vital for us to prioritize our safety and be vigilant in our surroundings, especially when we find ourselves in stores or public spaces. Unfortunately, the reality is, women face higher risks of being targeted for various forms of exploitation, including human trafficking. I want to discuss with you some important strategies for remaining situationally aware while shopping, recognizing potential threats, and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves. By being informed and prepared, we can navigate stores with confidence and reduce the vulnerability often associated with such environments.
Again, it’s important to stress that my words of warning are not to foster fear. The odds of being victimized are small, but never zero. We want to increase our skills and awareness so we can keep the chances of us being victimized as close to zero as possible. We must traverse the world. We have jobs, kids, hobbies, businesses, errands and lives to live. Hiding inside the house doesn’t eliminate danger, either. So let’s just get to these lessons.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: One of the most crucial aspects of staying safe in stores is maintaining situational awareness. Stay present and alert. As we say, keep your head on swivel, which means paying attention to the people around you and so you can be aware of any suspicious behavior in your midst. Avoid distractions such as excessive phone use or being lost in your thoughts in public spaces.
Trust Your Instincts: Your ability to gauge energy shifts can key you in to potential threats. If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, that’s the energy shift. Trust that feeling. If you are right, you’ve saved yourself from possible harm. If you’re wrong, you’ve lost nothing. Don’t dismiss those feelings; instead, take immediate action to ensure your safety.
Maintain Personal Space: Be aware of the people within your immediate proximity. Pay attention to individuals who appear overly interested in you or invade your personal boundaries. Stay cautious and assertive if someone encroaches on your personal space without a valid reason.
Beware of Distraction Techniques: Criminals often use distraction techniques to catch their victims off guard. Be cautious of individuals who approach you with unusual requests, such as asking for directions or attempting to disarm you by engaging in friendly conversation. Stay vigilant and avoid sharing personal information with strangers. Always direct them to more capable sources without allowing them to get any closer to you. For example, a man starts to approach you at the gas pump. From a certain distance, simply say, “I’m unable to assist you but the clerk inside may be able to.”
Avoid Isolated Areas: When shopping, try to stay in well-populated areas within the store. Isolated corners, poorly lit areas, or empty aisles can provide opportunities for criminals to target unsuspecting victims. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, seek out more populated areas or ask store personnel for assistance.
Educate Yourself on Trafficking: Human trafficking is a grave concern in the United States. Statistically, predators target minorities and sex workers more because the mainstream media does not propagate the news with information about their absenteeism. Familiarize yourself with the signs of trafficking, such as individuals being controlled by someone else, showing signs of physical or emotional abuse, or exhibiting fearful or anxious behavior. Stay informed about local resources and helplines to report any suspicious activity. And train yourself on code words or signals that could indicate a woman’s need for assistance.
Spread Awareness: Use your voice to raise awareness about human trafficking and the risks faced by women and children. Share information with friends, family, and your community to promote education and prevention.
When going to your car, have your keys ready, do not be distracted on your phone and pay attention to the cars surrounding your car. Vans, minivans, and SUVs can house hidden predators. When in doubt, or when you feel a sense of foreboding, err on the side of caution. Ask for an escort from store security or take a picture of the vehicles license plate, make and model. Send it to a trusted friend. When you get in your car, immediately lock the car, start it and drive away. DO NOT SIT.
When driving home, get in the practice of sometimes scanning for people tailing you. Especially if you are leaving a financial institution or a store that sells high-end/high-value products.
While it’s disheartening to acknowledge the risks women face in stores, it’s crucial to arm ourselves with knowledge and strategies to stay safe. By practicing situational awareness, trusting our instincts, and staying informed about the signs of trafficking, we can actively protect ourselves and others. Remember, our collective efforts in spreading awareness and supporting one another play a vital role in combating these threats. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and let’s create a society where every woman feels empowered and secure.
Written by Raquel Eldridge-Gradnigo
Published July 2023