Self-Defense WAA - Have A Safe, Happy & Prosperous 2009!!

Posted on January 1, 2009
Filed Under Personal Safety, Personal Security, Safety Plan of Action | Leave a Comment

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The new year is finally here and luckily 2008 is in the rearview mirrow! Today we have been celebrating the first day of 2009. I hope this day has been a positive start and your outlook for the entire year is optimistic. This has been a day of being grateful and excited about the future. If there are some things we did not accomplish in 2008 - both business and personal, we now have a fresh start to make them happen in 2009.

For me that starts with setting yearly goals and a plan for my personal and business life. By looking at what I set the year before I can see what I accomplished and what I didn’t. Maybe the ones I didn’t aren’t really that important now. If that’s the case, I scratch it and move on. If I have a written set of goals, I am more likely to achieve them. If I have to try to remember my goals, forget it!!

What are your goals for 2009? Do you have personal and home security goals? Is one of your goals to provide better protection for your home making it a safer place for you and your family? Have you been considering a security system for your home - but have just been procrastinating? How about your personal security and safety? Having a plan of action to keep yourself safe whether at home, traveling, or wherever you are is an excellent goal to have. Carry some type of personal protection if you are a "woman at risk" - whether due to your job or your domestic life. Your personal security should be a high priority the same as your home security.

Now is the best time to set your goals and take action. By focusing on one goal at a time and being proactive, you can accomplish your 2009 goals. And what a great feeling you’ll have knowing you have taken care of protecting the things that matter the most - your family, your home, and YOU!

Good luck. May 2009 be the best year ever for you and your family!!!

Cheryl & Ken - Self-Defense With An Attitude

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Self-Defense With An Attitude Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Posted on December 17, 2008
Filed Under Empower Yourself, Self-Defense Fight Technique, Self-Defense Tactics | 2 Comments

Today Self-Defense With An Attitude is celebrating a one-year anniversary blogging about all types of self-defense issues, self-defense techniques and tactics that can help to protect and defend you against an attacker, ways to stay safe whether home or away, personal security and safety awareness issues and much more…..

It’s hard to believe that one full year has gone by since starting SDWAA on December 17, 2007. That shows how fast time is flying by -"like the flip of a switch." I have learned so much about internet technology and stuff to increase my blog site traffic as well as how valuable self-defense and personal security awareness knowledge, education, and training really is - especially for women!

Here are some things I’ve done - both business and personal - that have made the past year zoom by.

Started Self-Defense With An Attitude blog on December 17, 2007 knowing very little about blogging. Today we have (5) blogs and (3) websites. One website is up for sale along with a related blog site. However, they were accomplished within the past year.
In February 2008, I left my position as a Commercial Insurance agent since they were putting me on straight commission in a market that was very sluggish. I thought this was a good time to get my biz cranked up.
Started my second security-related blog - www.homesecurity911.com in Feburary 2008 which is coming along rather well. We’re able to put valuable home security, home invasion prevention content, related pictures and videos on this site. As as top security specialist with ADT Security for twenty years, I enjoy blogging about home security and safety related topics.
Took a self-defense class in Chicago called "Fight Like A Girl" and was able to beat on some really nice guys. Of course, I got tossed around a bit myself, but I learned a lot about fighting techniques and fighting from the ground position. The thing I learned most was I don’t ever want to get into a knock down drag out fight with a perpetrator/attacker; so I’ll continue to carry my TASER C2 and pepper spray with me wherever I go!
This self-defense training was so cool I setup an interview with the RAD Self-Defense Instructor from the the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Elkhart, Indiana to learn more about that program. I added this article and video to my blog site, then ended up taking the RAD Self-Defense Training. Pretty cool. I learned some great self-defense techniques and tactics and at the end of the training had to go through what is called "Simulation Night." Sounds pretty scary and guess what…it was! You are blindfolded and then a really "big" guy attacks you from behind. You have to use the tools learned over the past 12 hours (4 separate nights). It was amazing - I knew what to do to fight off the attacker and escape to safety. …it was a very empowering feeling not just for me but for the other ladies in the class as well. Women should consider taking this type of self-defense training. It’s also a great self-confidence builder!
Continued to worked heavily on getting my corporate website completed - Personal Security Solutions. This took a lot longer than I expected. I’ve decided I’ll only do blog sites instead of websites from now on. They are easier to work with and give you a lot more control.
Took a vacation with family to Alabama in April/May. Then in July went to West Virginia and took the RAD Self-Defense Instructor Certification Course. It was 3-grueling days (8-full hours a day) of non-stop learning all about fight techniques, tactics, and instructor training. At the end we again had a simulation night. I felt much more competent, confident, and empowered when I had to fight. Afterwards we were tested! Received my instructor certification. Glad to get that completed.
Finished my Personal Security Solutions website in late August first part of September. Added a security product store - The Personal Security Store.com where we sell personal protection products.
Added a third blog site to the corporate site - www.personalsecuritysolutions.com/blog. The name of the site is actually Personal Security 911. At some point this site may become it’s own entity.
In October/November set up our fourth blog site - Home Security 101 Workshop.com. This site is where we have our home security workshop training information, security lunch and learn training programs, and our upcoming teleseminar programs. It links right from the corporate site.
In December began a 3-Month Teleseminar Course - Teleseminar Secrets - so that I can reach, teach and discuss the self-defense and home security topics through a teleseminar program format. My goal is to talk with other security experts, crime prevention specialists, self-defense experts, and others who can bring a wealth of knowledge and real-life experiences to my readers/listeners.
In December joined a Blogging Membership Site - "Becoming A Blogger" - Yaro Starak and Gideon, to further my knowledge and education on blogging. So far so good, however, I realize I know a lot of the basic stuff - but I am always open to learning. They have some advanced stuff coming up shortly.

Anyway, the year has flown by and we feel a lot has been accomplished to enhance our overall business and blogging success. We have been working on our goals and plans for 2009. We’re planning to add an internet radio program - Blog Talk Radio to both security blog sites the first part of January 2009. We’re looking at 2009 to be a great year!!

For all of you who have stopped off at our site - THANKS! For those of you who have commented on our site- THANKS! And for those of you who jam up my email with spam because you were spamming our site - well I have another word for you!.

Everyone take care and have a great holiday season!

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

Cheryl, Shaun (middle) & Ken- www.SelfDefenseWithAnAttitude.com

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Pepper Spray Self-Defense Protection - Don’t Leave Home Without It!

Posted on December 12, 2008
Filed Under Carjacking, Common Mistakes Resulting in Being Attacked, Pepper Spray, Personal Safety, Personal protection devices | Leave a Comment

Tri-Pack Pepper Spray - Protection On Your keychain - In Your Car - In Your Home!

Pepper Sprays are just one form of non-lethal personal protection that you can carry for self-defense. If you are in a high risk job where you meet with strangers, work a late night shift, are a college student, or just want to know you have a way to protect yourself if you are ever attacked, then carrying some type of protection like Pepper Spray may be a good choice.

When you read the daily newspaper or watch the nightly news, you see more and more personal and home robberies, people being attacked when walking alone - especially during the holiday season - and violent carjackings. All of these crimes are becoming more prevalent. What is a person to do to protect themselves? You cannot totally rely upon the police to be there to protect you or even rely on other people who may be nearby. The responsibility for protecting yourself is up to YOU!

If you are going to carry some type of defense spray like the Pepper Spray or Mace Spray, you need to do a couple of things:

Believe it or not the right to protect ourselves with non-lethal protection devices is not always a RIGHT in some states, counties, or jurisdictions. You will need to check with local law enforcement officials to find out what the laws are in your area. I know it sounds crazy that a law-abiding person wants to protect themselves with only non-lethal protection against a violent attacker who may possess a lethal weapon, but that is how the law is set up. (And you wonder who the law is designed to protect).
When you purchase your pepper spray, you will want to do a few practice drills to make sure you know how to spray the device and how NOT to accidentally spray yourself. You’ll receive information with your unit that discusses how to use the product, but it is very minor information. My recommendation would be to get a very informative 32-page booklet entitled "The Facts About Defense Sprays And How To Use Them…" This booklet will give you precise information about how to use the device and if attacked - dropping an attacker to his knees. You can get this booklet and all types of personal protection at www.thepersonalsecuritystore.com.

The Tri-Pack Pepper Spray is an excellent package because it allows you to carry one of the spray units on your keychain. As you are walking to your car with keychain in hand, you are prepared. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Because this is the holiday season, we have a tendency is to be preoccupied on things other than our personal safety. For example, as you are leaving the mall with a bundle of Christmas packages trying to find your car in the parking lot, take a moment to look around and make sure no one is following you or that there aren’t strangers hanging around your car. Have your pepper spray in hand along with your keys and know what to do if attacked. Read more

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GPS Personal Tracking System-GPS Personal Locator For Personal Security

Posted on December 11, 2008
Filed Under GPS Personal Tracking, Personal Safety, Personal Security | Leave a Comment

GPS Personal Tracking System, GPS Personal Locator From Valor System Gives You Personal Security And Peace Of Mind

The Valor System utilizes the latest in GPS tracking technology, wireless communication technology and the Internet to provide Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS) for most anywhere within the US and Canada. This innovative tool will protect your vehicle and the ones you love.

The Personal Tracking Device is an exceptional small unit, a portable tracking device unlike anything else available. The Personal Tracking Unit (PTU) allows consumers to remotely track the position of a loved one (teenagers, elderly parents), a pet, assets, or any other important item in real-time through the Internet or by placing a phone call. The PTU combines the technology of global positioning satellites (GPS), cellular phone communication, and the Internet in a compact device that upon request can transmit its exact location in seconds to give the end-user a complete solution.

In our effort to provide personal security solutions, we believe The Valor System will provide a way to stay in touch if you have an emergency situation but aren’t able to verify your exact location by providing an “SOS” feature, 2-way communication, one way listing, 24/7 tracking, and more.

Click the link below to learn more about how you can safely monitor elderly parents, teens, personal assets, fleet solutions, and so much more.

Personal Safety in the palm of your hand.

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

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Dr. Phil To Profile 911 Emergency Disaster Calls

Posted on December 10, 2008
Filed Under Personal protection devices, Safety Plan of Action, Stalking, Violence Against Women | Leave a Comment

Make a note to watch the Dr. Phil show on Friday, 12-12-08 where he will be profiling 911 Emergency Disaster Calls. We have all seen and heard incompetent "911 operator" audios and how they totally botch being able to deliver life-saving help to a victim. It’s disgraceful! Yet we all believe by calling 911 our lives are going to be saved by the police.

The truth is the police are over-worked, underpaid, and their response time depends upon where they are when they receive the 911 call. You might want to have a backup plan for your self-defense and protection while you are waiting for the police to show up. Don’t rely totally upon the 911 operator getting the police there within minutes. Hopefully, they will arrive in time, but what do you do in the meantime?

Last week I did an article about a violent stalker in San Mateo, California who ended up killing his victim while the police were outside of her house. Luckily while gunfire was going on between the perpetrator and the police she had the fortitude and courage to hand her two little babies out a front window to the safety of the police. In the end, the stalker ended up killing her and turning the gun on himself. (Coward!)

Dr. Phil’s 911 Emergency Disaster Call will also discuss the botched call on someone I did an article on a few months back - Olidia Kerr Day. Our sympathy goes out to her entire family. This was such a sad story!!

(Courtesy of Dr. Phil’s Show) Check your local station for exact time and channel in your area.

Friday - December 12, 2008 - Dr. Phil Profiles - 911 Nightmares!!

Imagine that you’ve fallen, had a terrible accident or been abducted, and your only lifeline is 911. What happens if you call and can’t get the help you need or emergency personnel are sent to the wrong address?America’s 911 system handles nearly 240 million calls per year, and the growing number of dispatch disasters can be a matter of life or death. Edward and Ada know about this pain firsthand. They lost their loved one, Olidia, to a murder-suicide in the parking lot of a police station after what they say was a botched 911 call. Edward says his mom’s death could have been prevented, and Ada believes the operator was rude to her sister in the final moments before her murder. Joining Dr. Phil to discuss the tragedy are Charlie Cullen from the National Emergency Number Association and Caroline Burau, a 911 dispatcher and author of Answering 911: Life in the Hot Seat. Find out the most important piece of information you need to know when calling for help. Then, Nathan’s wife, Denise Amber Lee, was abducted, and a series of 911 calls — even one placed by Denise herself — failed to save the young mom’s life. Jane, a witness to Denise’s abduction, was on the line with 911 for more than nine minutes … but police were never dispatched. Now Nathan says he’s angry with the system and has trouble explaining Denise’s death to their two young sons. What can the grieving father do to move past the pain? And, learn what constitutes a genuine emergency, and what to teach your kids about dialing those three important numbers.

What do you do in the interim while you have a crazed perpetrator trying to kill you and you’re waiting for 911 to arrive? When it may only take five minutes or so for the police to arrive, that can seem like an eternity for the woman who is being violently attacked.

If you are being stalked and are concerned for your life or you have had other personal security and safety issues that call for you to take dramatic measures, you may want to invest in and carry some type of non-lethal personal protection or a firearm. A firearm would be a drastic measure so be sure to make that decision carefully. Talk with others who know your situation and who can help you with your decision. You might even want to discuss this with your local police department. That will at least put them on notice in the event they should ever get a 911 call from you.

Ladies…(and men) make your personal security a priority. Have a solid plan of action and know what you will do to protect and defend yourself if confronted by a violent attacker. You may also want to consider having a backup plan and other options in place …just in case!

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

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7-Holiday Safety Tips To Know When Leaving The Mall

Posted on December 4, 2008
Filed Under Holiday Safety Awareness, Parking Garage Safety, Personal Safety, Personal Security | 2 Comments

This article was written back in April 2008 but I thought it was worth bringing back for the holiday shopping season. With all the excitement and holiday festivities it is easy to become unconscious to what is going on around us. The criminal perpetrator is looking for that one person who is not paying attention to either steal their purse or wallet, rip off their holiday packages, or violently attack them. Staying alert and aware this holiday season will help you maintain your overall safety - whether shopping, at home, or wherever you are.

Have you noticed how unconscious some people are (especially women - and young women) when they leave the shopping mall or even the grocery store? This holiday season - like none other - we should be especially observant and aware of all the people we come into contact with - especially at the malls, shopping center, and the parking lot areas with our holiday packages in hand.

Here are some quick safety tips for staying aware, alert, and safe when leaving the shopping mall and making your way out into the big parking lot areas where criminal types can hangout and just wait for their victims. I have highlighted in red additional information that a friend reader, Larry Kaminer, passed on to me. Thanks Larry. Please pass this information on to other women.

7-Safety Tips To Know When Leaving The Shopping Mall

1. Ladies don’t be talking away on your cell phone not paying attention to what’s around you. If you have your cell phone, ipod or mp3 player hooked to your head, you’re not really paying attention to what’s going on around you. And that really is important, especially if you are going to your car way in the middle of the parking area by yourself. This is exactly the type of person the predator is looking to attack. Be fully aware and totally alert as you walk to your car. Read more

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Stalking Safety Tips For Women

Posted on December 2, 2008
Filed Under Security and Safety Tips, Self-Defense Tips, Self-Defense Verbal Skills, Stalking, Violence Against Women | 1 Comment

If You Think You Are Being Stalked Safety Tips!

Courtesy of the Seattle Police Department

Stalking is defined as the intentional, unlawful and repeated harassment and/or following of a person, which causes that person to be in reasonable fear that he/she may be injured. Stalking may start out with repeated unwanted contacts, including calls, visits, and gifts. Stalking may include harassment, threats, or obscenity – in person, by phone, via the internet, or in writing. Stalking may escalate quickly and without provocation or encouragement by the victim. A small percentage of stalkers follow celebrities or strangers, but the majority of perpetrators stalk someone with whom they have had a past or present relationship. If you think you are being stalked:

Report the activity to the police.
Send a clear message to the person that the relationship is over. Do not be ambivalent.
Attempt to avoid all contact with the stalker.
Keep an accurate journal of all incidents such as sighting (include date and time), contacts, phone calls, written correspondence, and unusual incidents that may be connected.
Keep all letters, packages, and taped phone messages.
Trace all phone calls per telephone company instructions.
Inform family, friends, neighbors, managements, co-workers and workplace security. Have them notify you or the police if they are contacted or followed by the stalker.
Be careful about your surroundings when alone.

Stalking is a serious violation of your personal security and safety. It can also spread to your home safety as well. On November 26^th a stalker invaded the home of a young mother in San Mateo, California who he had been stalking and ended up killing her and ending his own life. Luckily she had the ability and courage to hand her small babies out of a bedroom window to safety before her life was ended.

If you have a stalking situation going on in your life, be sure to follow the above safety tips and make sure others are well aware. Take a self-defense class to learn how to protect and defend yourself – both physically and verbally. A self-defense class may give a person that extra boost of self-confidence and empowerment that they may be lacking. And it may be that confidence that helps to forcefully tell your stalker to “BACK OFF AND LEAVE YOU ALONE!!"

You may want to also invest in non-lethal personal protection; however, if the situation has gone to the very extreme – investing in a lethal weapon may be the next move. If you go to that extreme, be sure to discuss this with at least your spouse, family members, friends, law enforcement, and/or a firearms expert. If you purchase a weapon, be sure to take the firearm’s training so you know how to properly use the weapon. That is a MUST!!

Stay mentally alert to your surroundings, maintain your personal safety, and keep home security and safety a priority for both you and your family.

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

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Ann Pressly’s Attacker Captured-Let’s Hope Justice Will Be Served

Posted on December 1, 2008
Filed Under Home Security Protection, Pepper Spray, Personal Security, Videos | Leave a Comment

A little over a month ago a young anchorwoman named Ann Pressly had her home broken into during the early morning hours and was brutally beaten. She died several days later. The authorities had no clues, a suspect, or anything to go on for the longest time. They did know that someone had stolen her purse and used her ATM cards that morning.

Finally, on Wednesday, November 26th the police were able to arrest an alleged suspect, Curtis Lavelle Vance. If they find Mr. Vance guilty for beating and ultimately murdering Ann Pressly - a capitol offense - let us all hope he gets the full force and justice of the law. Read the full story at: http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=6344961

Video Courtesy of Fox 16 News

With home invasions and home burglaries becoming so prevalent, it makes perfect sense to ensure we are making our personal and home security protection a top priority. Make your home impenetrable to an attack by a perpetrator - no matter what the time of day or night. Invest in a good quality home security system so if this type of crime happens - you are alerted, the intruder knows he has set off the alarm, and there is someone on the other end to dispatch the police immediately. Most burglars and intruders are not going to stick around with the alarm siren screaming knowing the police are on the way.

Also carry some type of personal protection on your keychain, in your purse, in your car, next to your nightstand, and near your front door. You never know when some deranged perpetrator will decide it’s your time and attack you. Always be prepared and know what to do if you encounter a violent attacker wherever you are.

Let’s keep Ann Pressly in our prayers, and hope that women (and men) make their personal and home security a top priority so this type of crime does not happen to them.

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

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Black Friday-Holiday Shopping Safety Awareness Tips

Posted on November 27, 2008
Filed Under Holiday Safety Awareness, Personal Safety | 2 Comments

The Holiday Shopping Season officially begins on Friday, 11-28-08 and is known as BLACK FRIDAY. That name alone should cause you to be a little more cautious as you make your way to the mall or favorite shopping area. Although most people are heading to the mall with the thought of being thankful for what they have and the ability to buy gifts for those they love, there are criminals lurking in and around the mall aiming to take what you have.

Here are a few Holiday Shopping Safety Awareness Tips to keep in mind as you do your shopping and enjoy the holiday festivities over the next twenty-eight days until Christmas. Keep your personal safety and security a priority whether you are at home, shopping, or traveling.

Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings At The Malls, Stores & Shopping Centers

If using an ATM at the mall, be especially vigilant and aware who may be around you. Try not to make large cash withdrawals. Remember the malls may be extremely crowded and this would be an excellent time for a criminal to catch you off-guard and grab your cash.
Shop during the daylight hours whenever you can. If shopping at night, try to go with another person. If shopping alone and leaving the mall late at night, ask a security officer to accompany you to your car.
Always choose a bank with an ATM located in a highly visible, well-lit area. If you notice anyone suspicious approaching, cancel your transaction and leave.
Avoid using ATM’s where you must go inside the ATM area unless you are with others. This leaves you highly vulnerable to a criminal attack. Use the drive-up ATM whenever possible.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Don’t advertise large rolls of money in public. You don’t know who may be watching.
Be sure when you leave your vehicle that you lock your doors and keep windows closed. If you have an alarm on your vehicle, use it.
Even though you may be rushed and have a thousand things on your mind, stay alert to your surroundings.
Don’t leave valuable items inside your car that are visible to others. Place packages in the trunk of your car.
Avoid carrying too many packages that may make you a target. Make regular trips to your car to drop off packages.
Keep your purse tucked close to your body at all times. Don’t let it dangle from your shoulder as this may be a perfect setup for a purse-snatcher.
For men – carry wallets in front pocket rather than back pocket or jacket. Thieves are looking for easy targets as they move through the crowded malls.
Park only in well-lit parking areas and as close to a mall or store entrance as you can. Don’t settle for an isolated parking spot just because you’re in a hurry. Hold out for a safe spot to open up.
As you walk through parking lots, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and walk with authority. Don’t look like a victim.
Don’t be talking on your cell phone as you leave the mall walking to your car. You need to pay close attention to your surroundings and anyone who looks suspicious.
Approach your car with car keys in hand and survey the exterior and interior of your vehicle before entering. Place your packages in the trunk all the while aware of anyone who may be nearby or approaching you.
Don’t get into your car if you are being followed or are suspicious of anyone standing near your car. If so, return to the mall or store or where there are other people. Ask for store security assistance.
Beware alert and aware of strangers who may be approaching you for whatever reason. At this time of year there are “scammers” trying various methods to distract you with the intention of taking your money and belongings.
Carry some type of personal protection device like a Taser C2, Pepper Spray, Mace, or a Stun Gun. Your safety and those of your family members should be a priority. If a criminal attacks you for your purse or packages, give him your belongings. Your life is more important! If he tries to hurt you or a loved one, use your personal protection to protect yourself and those with you.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

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Women And Guns - Documentary Casting Call

Posted on November 12, 2008
Filed Under Guns for protection, Personal protection devices | Leave a Comment

A good friend of mine, Cathryne Czubek, is a documentary filmmaker and she has a Casting Call for all Self Defense With An Attitude readers.

Documentary Casting Call - Woman and Guns

I am an independent documentary filmmaker and for several years I have been working on a documentary video on women and guns that explores the different reasons women become involved with guns and how they are impacted by guns.

I have interviewed women who hunt, who carry guns for self-defense, who shoot for recreation at gun clubs, who are interested in guns, who are scared of guns, who want to try shooting for the first time, who feel that they are a necessary part of their lives. I have traveled around the country searching for different perspectives in different geographic areas.

The project also takes a hard look at the cultural icon of the armed woman and the history of women and guns. A trailer can be seen at www.agirlandagunfilm.com.

Recreation is a part of the project and self-defense is a very strong aspect of the project.

I am looking for a woman who is currently going through a situation in which they feel threatened - perhaps at a workplace, in a relationship, at home, etc. It is not important if she owns a gun for protection or not, it would be ideal if she is contemplating buying a gun or a different object/weapon of self-defense.

I would want to produce a videotape with this woman and possibly record phone conversations, but it would not be important to disclose name, location, or any other vital information that would jeopardize one’s personal security. I realize this is a very sensitive subject. The most important thing that I am looking for is to capture the real feelings - fear, vulnerability, uncertainty, confusion, anxiety, etc. - of a woman dealing with a violent situation.

Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to speaking with you soon. I can be contacted via email at catczu@gmail.com. Thank you.

Cathryne Czubek

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!!

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