The five most dangerous places for women

And how you can protect yourself

Some of the most ordinary activities can provide the perfect set-up for predators. And, that's exactly what potential assailants know how to exploit. "Women forget to be alert when in familiar surroundings," says Julia Holden, an ex-police officer who worked in the field for 22 years before writing a danger-awareness book, Fearless. Here, how to protect yourself against a perpetrator who's counting on your assumptions of safety.

Danger one — car parks
We've all walked through a semi-deserted car park, laden with shopping bags, talking on our mobiles. But these vast, often empty spaces make an attacker's job easy. Last year, a 19-year-old Cairns woman was walking to her car in a multi-storey car park at night when she was pushed against a vehicle and raped.

"Think carefully about where you park," says Holden. "The car park might be full when you park there, but when you leave, say, after late-night shopping, you find yourself with a long and lonely walk."

Inspector Gary Groves, from the NSW Police Force Commissioner's Inspectorate, agrees: "Some women park on the top levels so their cars won't get scratched. In fact, attackers may be waiting there, as they know there will be less chance of being witnessed." Inspector Groves suggests parking near the entrance when possible, and if you fear for your safety, asking a security guard to escort you. "Or hold your keys in your fist, so one is sticking out between your fingers, and use it as a weapon," says Holden.

Danger two — taxis
Hopping into a cab late at night often seems safer than walking or taking public transport. But think about it: once you've gotten into someone's car, you're at their mercy.

Earlier this year, there was a spate of sexual assaults on women, allegedly by taxi drivers in Adelaide. Almost all the victims were 20-something, many were drunk and most of the attacks happened at night. Then there are the reports of assault by "fake cabbies" — unlicensed drivers who cruise night spots offering cheap fares to drunken revellers who don't notice — or care — if the driver is unauthorised. In 2004, a man talked three Adelaide women into getting into his car by telling them he was a taxi driver, then raped them.

Licensed cabs always have the driver's photo and ID number on display, so look for these before you get in. "And sit in the back left-hand seat," says Holden. "You're furthest from the driver and closest to the curb." She also advises storing the ID number in your phone or texting it to a friend.

Danger three —your car
In January last year, a 25-year-old Melbourne woman was sitting in her parked car in broad daylight, putting on her make-up, when a man opened her door, forced her into the passenger seat and drove her around town for three terrifying hours. After being forced at knifepoint to remove her underwear, the woman fabricated a story about being raped as a teen and convinced her attacker to steal $140 rather than rape her.

Other cases involved an assailant jumping into a woman's car while it was stopped at traffic lights or hiding in the back seat of an unlocked vehicle. Preventing it is simple: check your car before you get in and keep all doors locked — even while you drive — and never let a stranger lure you out.

"If you're asked to get in a car, be as difficult as you can," says Holden. "Lie on the ground, scream, stick out your arms and legs. Make it impossible for him to take you."

Danger four — familiar streets
Since January 2006, 43 sex attacks have occurred in Brisbane parks and bike tracks — in broad daylight. Holden suggests these tips for staying alert while alone: "Attackers are looking for two things — opportunity and vulnerability. So remove them." Avoid walking on a quiet, poorly-lit path surrounded by bushes. And listening to your iPod or talking on the phone might be preferable to the creepy silence as you walk home, but it makes you look more vulnerable.

Danger five — your own home
It's where most people feel safest, but the widely reported 2005 attack on Lauren Huxley was a reminder of how illusionary that can be. Now 20, Huxley was beaten and doused in petrol in her home. After a six-month stint in hospital, she returned home but still needs ongoing surgery.

"You don't have to be a prisoner in your own home, but make sure it's secure," says Groves. "If you want to leave a window open, for example, lock it part-way open so that no one can climb through it."

Just knowing you might be vulnerable in these places will help ward off attackers. "Sometimes you can't beat them," says Holden, "but you can certainly try."

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