Crime statistics often show that women are more likely to be victims of crime than men. But many boys and men become victims of crime too, particularly violent crimes. In fact, in 2018, 2.4% of males experienced violent crimes, while only 1.3% of females did.
Of course, this does not downplay the experiences of women who faced violence. But we should also acknowledge that men are almost twice as likely to go through such crime. In doing so, we break the stigma around males accessing support after crime.
Moreover, we should shed light on homosexual males being a common target of hate crimes. Vandalism, theft, burglary, and other property offenses happen to homosexuals one and a half times more often than to heterosexuals. They’re also twice more likely to become victims of violence, particularly threats. Around 5-6% of heterosexual men and women reported these crimes in 2012.
Often, when we talk about security and self-defense for men, we assume that their physical strength alone is enough to protect them. But this is not always true. Men face threats more often than women, leading to isolation, anxiety, and fear of going out. This lack of confidence can affect their ability to defend themselves in the face of crime.
It’s high time we think of men’s well-being too when we talk about safety against crime. So without further ado, here are some helpful security and self-defense measures for men who live solo:
1. Avoid Assuming that You’re Safe Enough
Many men themselves assume that their sex makes them invincible to crime. But since the statistics showed otherwise, give more regard to your security from now on. Don’t leave your doors unlocked at night. Avoid walking around with your expensive electronics exposed. To a determined robber or violent criminal, your gender is all but an extra challenge, not a complete hindrance.
In addition, practice a bit of restraint on social media. If you just bought an expensive gaming console or mobile device, refrain from posting about it. Even if your profile is private, there’s no telling if every person on your friends list is a trustworthy individual. So aside from keeping information about your expensive purchases to yourself, avoid mentioning it on social media if you’re alone or going on a vacation. That could give an opportunist a chance to loot your home.
2. Ensure that Your Security Devices are Working
Almost all homes today are equipped with security cameras. If you don’t pay attention to yours, this is your sign to check them now. See if the monitor is still showing you real-time footage. If you spot any issues, call professional security system repair services in your area. Do the same if you live in a rented place, but notify your landlord, as they should be the one to pay for repairs.
3. Upgrade Your Security System
Aside from just maintaining your security cameras, consider upgrading your whole security system itself. You might benefit from installing smart door locks, doorbells, and burglar alarms. A smart security system will suit you if you tend to forget to double-check your doors and windows before hitting the sack. It will allow you to lock every access to your home without getting out of your bed.
A smart doorbell, in particular, also comes with a camera, so it shows you the person at the door when they ring the bell. If that person turned out to be a criminal, your doorbell will keep the footage of their face, helping you during an investigation.
4. Train Your Brain and Body to Act Defensively
If you’re facing a threat, prepare yourself by training your brain and body to act defensively. Stay alert when you go out, just in case your tormentor is lurking behind. Learn basic martial arts to know how to take down a criminal who springs up behind you, or right before you. That way, you don’t have to bring a weapon that can escalate things terribly. If the criminal holds you at gunpoint, your self-defense training can let you get rid of the firearm without you sustaining serious injuries.
If your neighborhood or community doesn’t make you feel safe, don’t ignore your instincts. Chances are you’re in real danger if the feeling already looms. In that case, always have a friend with you when you go out. Keep your home strongly secured. Don’t talk to anyone who acts as if they’re trying to familiarize the layout of your home.
Overall, don’t allow yourself to go lax when it comes to your security. Just because nothing happens to you doesn’t mean you’re totally impossible to victimize. Security should be habitual, whether you’re a man or a woman. On that note, promote security and self-defense for men too, as the topic can encourage male victims of crime to speak about their experiences.
