ORLANDO, Fla. – Every 68 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted in America, and out of every 10 victims of rape, nine of them are female. Fifteen percent of sexual assaults occur in public places, so it’s imperative to be aware of your surroundings and who you give any information to.
Experts say it’s more than OK to tell a lie when it comes to your safety.
“You have to realize now that you have a built-in burglar alarm. It’s like your car. So your safety intuition can see what’s happening around you. And if you don’t listen to it, you’re missing the signs,” said retired deputy sheriff & author Joy Farrow.
A recent study reports one in two women felt unsafe walking alone after dark in populated areas and in their own neighborhoods.
When does telling a lie become the best course of action?
First, if you’re on a solo trip and someone asks if you’re alone, say, “No, I’m on a family vacation.”
If you’re in an elevator of your apartment complex and someone asks if you live there, say, “No, I’m visiting my brothers.”
If your Uber driver asks if they’re dropping you off at home, say, “No, I’m visiting family friends.”
And if you’re drinking at a bar alone and someone comes up to you, say, “My husband is parking the car.”
Remember, in life, honesty may be the best policy, but when your safety is at stake, a lie may be a life saver.
To take it a couple of steps further, if you live alone, you could have a pair of men’s boots by your front door, and if you think someone is following you while you’re driving, don’t go home, go straight to a police station.