Protect Yourself if Someone's Following You Home
The threat of being followed or watched nowadays is very real, and many Recognize a Kidnapping or other crimes could be avoided by knowing how to protect yourself from the start. This article will show you how.
Steps
- Know if you're really being followed. Make sure that they aren't just walking to a place nearby, or driving slowly because of an obstruction in the road. If they seem to be walking through the same path you are, keep in mind that they may just need to follow the same route to get somewhere.
- Cross the road, even if you're not at a crosswalk, being careful of oncoming traffic.
- If the person continues walking on the previous side of the road, there is no need to worry. If they cross over to walk behind you again, be alert.
- Even if they remain on the other side of the road, exercise caution. They may just be trying to lure you into believing they aren't following you.
- Walk briskly and look like you know where you're going. If you appear distracted or dawdling, this may make it easier for the possible predator to attack.
- Try not to keep looking over your shoulder at them. Use side-mirrors of cars, windows, or any other reflection to check. Speed up, but don't break into a run. If you must look over your shoulder, don't look with the corner of your eye; this only makes you look intimidated and weak. It's better to turn your entire head around until you can see whoever is following you with both eyes.
- Get into a public place as soon as possible if they continue to follow you. Try to find a group of women or dart into a shop. This would put most possible attackers off.
- Tell the manager or owner of the building that you're worried because you think you are being followed. They will most likely contact the police, or allow you use of their phone to call someone.
- Find a well-lit area near the road where cars are passing by if there isn't a shop nearby. This way, you will be easily noticed by people if the Cope when a Stranger Is Chasing You attempts to attack.
- Pass by your house. If you're driving to your apartment or house and you live alone, pass by it. Never go into your empty house when someone is following you. This would be an easy attack for predators. Instead, go to a neighbor or close-by friend's house.
Tips
- Only carry weapons you are legally allowed to carry. Be aware of your surrounding and prepare to defend yourself if you are attacked.
- Pull out your cell phone. Whether or not it is a camera phone, you can pretend (or actually!) take a picture. If you aren't sure they're following you, just call someone or pretend to.
- Remember that attackers do not want to attract attention to themselves - so by getting into a public place, you stand more of a chance of losing them.
- Make sure you are appropriately dressed when you go out. Wearing high heels or shoes you cannot walk in will not help if you do have to run to get away from someone.
- Don't try to attack the person you suspect is following you. You may be committing a criminal offense if they are innocent.
- If you detect someone may be following you, drive or go to the nearest police, fire or gas station.
- If you are suspicious of them following you while driving, make a loop around the block. If they are still behind you, then you are being followed.
Related Articles
- Thwart an Abduction Attempt
- Fend off an Attacker
- Defend Yourself
- Avoid an Attack if You Think You're Being Followed
- Protect Yourself from Sexual Predators
