(Februrary 28, 2003) -- Community police officer Sue Shine spoke to about 140 students at tutorial  on Monday in the auditeria about self-defense and awareness.

Because a partner isn’t always available to walk with, Shine advised that students should walk against traffic. This allows eye contact between a pedestrian and the driver who may want to kidnap her. She also suggested that students should avoid distractions such as headphones.

Shine said she was sexually abused in her childhood, grew up with an abusive brother and was hassled in middle school. “Predators look for the weak,” she said as she walked from one end of the auditeria steps to the other. As she spoke, Shine exemplified a vulnerable body posture with her shoulders hunched over and her head down. Then Shine straightened her back with her chin high to demonstrate that a woman cannot walk the streets looking like a “perfect victim,” “helping [us] visualize some situations women can be put in,” said freshman Armine Agazaryan.

Shine stressed the importance of trusting instincts. She referred to an officer who was murdered while checking out the layout of a suspicious  warehouse. His partner trusted his gut feeling and avoided death.

Being cautious is not only beneficial to the observer, but also to others who may be in situations they are not aware that they are in. “You can make a difference by being aware,” said Shine.

The event was sponsored by the Women’s Studies Club. The club’s goals are “to boost girls’ confidences, help them feel safe, and make everyone aware,” junior Tatevik Galstyan said.

“It was a good experience. I learned more ways to protect myself,” said sophomore Jenny Lee.