ASSAULT Definition
ASSAULT – Unlawful intentional inflicting, or attempted inflicting, of injury upon the person of another. Aggravated assault is the unlawful intentional inflicting of serious bodily injury or unlawful threat or attempt to inflict bodily injury or death by means of a deadly or dangerous weapon with or without actual infliction of injury. Simple assault is the unlawful intentional inflicting of less than serious bodily injury without a deadly or dangerous weapon or an attempt or threat to inflict bodily injury without a deadly or dangerous weapon.
Reducing the Risk of Assault or Robbery
1. Avoid, as much as possible, being alone on foot at night or in isolated places, even during the day.
2. If out at night, stay in well lighted public places.
3. Carry a non-lethal protection device (e.g., whistle).
4. Lock car doors. Don’t hesitate to use the horn, loudly, when danger is sensed.
5. Follow your instincts. If a situation “doesn’t feel right,” get out, get help, get among people.
6. Remember, many larger stores have security guards. Enter one quickly if danger is sensed. See nearest clerk.
7. Keep doors locked when home alone. Don’t open door to strangers. Use peepholes, not chain.
8. Practice being conscious of who is in proximity and of a place to quickly go in event of emergency.
This information is re-printed from the US Dept. of Justice Web-site, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/