Safe Passage on City Streets

By Dorothy T. Samuel

Subjects: Criminal psychology, Interpersonal relations, Crime prevention

Description: A new type of prison has emerged in this day and time - the prison of our own homes. Never in recent history have so many people barricaded themselves behind locked doors and barred windows. Fear is changing our way of life, limiting our activities, and narrowing our horizons. Dorothy Samuel presents a positive and hopeful alternative. Instead of guns, mace, security systems, and self-defense, consider the advantages of programming ourselves for constructive interaction, inner confidence, and the kind of responses which can de-escalate confrontation and violence. Through actual incidents, the author demonstrates the possibilities of inner confidence that "breaks down the will of the violent at at times even restores attackers to decency." These experiences show the other side of the horror of newspaper reports and crime statistics. Dorothy Samuel is well aware of many inherent dangers. Nothing can make us totally free from dangers. But we can keep fear from ruling our lives, and the author shows us how to do that.