Recently, we were honored to have two officers, both of whom serve in Ward 1’s Latino Liaison Unit, give Vida’s abuelitos a presentation about personal safety measures they can take to avoid becoming victims of an assault.

Officer Torres and Officer Mercedes also spoke about abuelitos’ rights to resources and services in their own language, and the work the Latino Liaison Unit to make these available. We include below some of the safety tips the officers shared with us.

When walking to and from home or while you are out doing errands:

1. Avoid dark and solitary areas.
2. Stay away from walls since assailants can use these to block you off and carry out their assault.
3. Avoid taking the same path home. Vary your routine.
4. Look around you when you arrive at the door to your home. Have your key ready before you get to the door, instead of fumbling for it when you get there. In case of an emergency, you can use the same key to protect yourself.
5. Avoid carrying large amounts of money in your pockets.
6. If you have to walk on a street you are unfamiliar with, avoid looking like you don’t know the area. Keep a normal pace and look around you in case an unknown person is drawing near.
7. If you need help, walk inside a local business or board a bus or train and explain your situation to someone there, or scream out and let people around you know that someone is trying to rob you.
8. If the assault is imminent, do not try to resist it. In most cases, the assailant wants to take your money, not cause you harm. Keep in mind that, if you show resistance, the assailant may try to hurt you in the process.
9. Above all, remain alert at all times.
10. Remember that you must adapt these and other safety tips to the particular situation at hand.

If you need more information about personal safety tips, you can call the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (OLA) at 202-671-2825.