The author, Janee' Harteau , August 7, 1999
The best protection is prevention!
Dear readers: Our book was designed to provide bulleted safety tips for woman in an easy to read format, small enough to take with you. We did not want any of the important information to get lost by making the reader sift through alot of text. It seems we have accomplished our goal!

For 13 years I have responded to crime scenes with victims who were severly traumatized. Unfortunately as police officers we most often meet with people after a crime has been committed. Our goal is to help woman avoid becoming a victim of a crime. The best protection IS prevention!

We have interviewed hundreds of the perpetrators looking for insight as to how they choose their victims. The most common response given -- OPPORTUNITY. "She was walking alone." "Her purse was dangling off her shoulder." Sound simple? Well it is. But all of us, including myself, need to remind ourselves to limit the opportunities.

Having a plan. Suspects have a plan--you should, too. What would you do? Would you freeze up? Run away? Fight? Have you even thought about it. The first mistake victims make is believing it cannot happen to them! If there was a magic pill or one simple answer to keep everyone safe, I would give it to you. There's Not.

Our goal is to provide tips on developing a plan. Reinterate some already known, but often forgotten safety guidelines, while providing useful tips for everyone. Young and old. Strong and weak!

This was not intended to be a self-defense book. You must have hands on self-defense training and practice those techniques in order for them to be effective. Most woman have told me they would much rather not get into the situation, than have to fight their way out. Being a victim of an assault myself, I agree.

The other goal is to get woman talking. We encourage you to share your stories. We can all learn from others.

Not all crimes can be prevented. This is why we included snipits in the book of what to do if you are a victim of a crime.

I would welcome any questions, comments from woman who have been victims and wish to pass along their stories. If we can prevent even ONE woman from becoming a victim, we have won a small battle in the war on crime.

Stay Safe!

Janee' Harteau, Co-Author