Know what you plan to do and where you will go in case of trouble. This plan should include who you will call if you need someone to pick you up. You should also be familiar with safe places along your route that you can run to if needed. If confronted, stay calm and confident. Being calm will give you a chance to assess the situation. If your assailants simply want property, it is often safest to give it to them. If they want to cause harm, you need to get away. Run if you can. If you can’t get away, fight as hard as you can. Aim to inflict pain by lashing out at eyes, the bridge of the nose, knees and groin. Attackers don’t want to get caught. Do whatever it takes to attract attention. Yell for help. Scream. Blow the whistle you invested in before you left for the night. Telling people what to do is more effective than yelling something like, “Fire.” Instead, yell, “I’m being attacked – call 911!” Or yell directly at the attacker: “Get your hand off me!” or even just “Stop!” As soon as you can, get to a safe place, such as a shop or nearby house. Call the police and report the incident. Include details of the confrontation, as well as a description of the perpetrator.

Summary:
Have a plan. Stay calm. Make noise. Get to a safe place.