By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

PERSONAL protection is a key reason why more Bahamian women find themselves in security supply stores and local gyms.

In the wake of police alerts on a rapist targeting women in Nassau, women are perhaps more aware than ever of the different ways they can protect themselves.

Police launched an island-wide hunt for two men suspected of raping almost a dozen women in their homes.

Officers formed a dedicated unit to find and arrest rapists who were terrorising women in the eastern and western areas at gunpoint.

Fitness coach Jillian Bartlett said the Bahamas in 2012 has become a ‘war zone’ and women routinely come to her for advice.

For the past four years, Ms Bartlett has worked as a fitness coach at Club One in Sandy Port.

She said that seven years ago she herself was a victim of an attack in her own country. She said she can only thank God for ‘being fit’ at the time - able to fight off her attacker. “After he realized how fit I was he fled the scene,” she said.

“It’s not a good position to be in as a woman, it’s a very intimidating and scary position. Being in shape allows you the one time opportunity to be aggressive. Lots of physical strength and taking quick control of the position may be your best shot of survival. Do not hesitate, take his nerves first,” said Jillian.

She said she would recommend that a women only attempt to fight off her attacker if she has taken part in self defence classes.

“There are so many workouts a woman can learn, starting with first conditioning the entire body, in short strength training all muscles. A second suggestion would be to do an agility class. Why? An agility class will teach you to think on and off your feet, in addition to working muscles you didn’t know you have. Agility is responsible for your balance-speed, strength and co-ordination,” said Jillian.

She said that while the pressures of work and family can be a problem for people wanting to get fit, people should remember the rewards are worth it.

Martial arts teacher, Dale Dean Jr, said while it was helpful and important for a woman to join a martial arts class, he said the most important part of the training was not the physical sessions, it was the valuable information you get about protecting yourself.

“We teach how to avoid putting yourself in a situation of getting hurt,” he said.

“Most of the time, people get mugged or attacked simply because they are not aware. Just by taking the time to look around your environment and assess from there, can a lot of times save your life.”

Mr Dean said no matter where you are going, always be in contact with someone to let them know your whereabouts.

“I tell my students as they go about their day, they should feel free to carry items such as pepper spray, a Taser or a telescopic baton. In martial arts, you must be prepared to protect at all times,” he said.

“Women have that mindset where, if something happens to them, hopefully someone is going to come and save them. If you are about to be attacked, you must be calm at all times. Everyone gets scared, but it’s how you deal with it,” said Mr Dean

If you are being attacked, said, Mr Dean, try to maintain some distance.

“It’s scary, but again, it is good to be calm and talk to the attacker,” he said.

“I don’t recommend that women try to hold back any items if being robbed, just give anything away. If you are being asked for your purchase, throw it away from you, this gives you time to get away,” he added.

“When you are put in a position where you have to defend yourself, always keep your hands up. If someone is coming to attack you, the first thing they are going to do is try and target your face. You can attempt to talk them down, this distracts them. When it comes to protecting yourself, nothing is illegal - grab on to anything you can find to protect yourself.”

One Bahamian woman said ever since she heard reports about the rapist she had been sleeping with a knife by her side.

She said: “I know the country’s crime rate is high, but with the news of the rapist, I haven’t had a good night’s sleep, and this is sad. To live in fear in a place you call home is insane and it is sad. I took it as far as sleeping with a knife in my room. Now I am not a violent person, but I feel like the police aren’t doing enough and I don’t know what I would do if I’m put in a position of being attacked, but at the end of the day, it looks as if I have to protect myself.”

Another Bahamian said: “I never thought something could have me on my tip toes like this rape case has. Ever since I saw it plastered over the news, I personally went out and bought a pepper spray and I am in the process of looking for a Taser as well. I mean what can we as women do to keep ourselves safe? You buy a house in a nice environment, put security systems in your homes and bars on your windows, but is that enough? Because it looks like these men are doing whatever they can to make our lives a living hell.”