Personal safety is a high priority for many women after the tragic death of Mollie Tibbetts. The man murdered Tibbetts told authorities that he saw the 20 year old running and followed the University of Iowa student before killing her.
Jim Sutton is the owner of Kung Fu Damsels and teaches self defense classes for women. "Women are statistically more likely to be attacked, especially at random." Sutton says women face a 1-in-4 to a 1-in-5 chance that they will be attacked as opposed to men.
One of the easiest things Sutton says women can do to protect themselves is to carry pepper spray, a stun gun or a striking tool. "The whole idea is to hand them 15 to 30 seconds of focused resistance. Say 'Not today. I'm not going to be your target.' Let them know there is going to be a fight." Often times, Sutton says, the attacker isn't expecting a fight, so having something to protect yourself gives you a chance to get away.
Sutton adds that you should always be aware of your surroundings, and if you wear ear buds, only use one so you can hear what is going on around you.