A new book, NEVER A VICTIM – The Definitive Guide to Women’s Safety, has been released, offering women vital resources and strategies to protect themselves in light of the escalating violence against women. Written by personal safety expert Robert Kaiser, the guide is the culmination of over 30 years of research into physical and sexual violence, drawing from victim testimonies, perpetrator studies, and crime reports.
The 514-page book provides practical advice and psychological insights, empowering women to trust their instincts and take action in potentially dangerous situations. Kaiser’s trauma-informed, survivor-led approach is designed to help women navigate the complex realities of violence and take control of their safety.
“Every woman deserves to be safe. This book is not just for those who have experienced violence but for every woman who wants to be prepared and confident in protecting herself,” said Kaiser, who has long been an advocate for survivor rights and safety. The book stresses that no woman should ever be blamed for experiencing violence, regardless of her attire, intoxication, or behaviour.
With startling statistics revealing the extent of the problem, the release of NEVER A VICTIM is timely. According to recent police records, 68,387 rapes were reported in England and Wales in 2023. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, estimated that as many as 4 million perpetrators of violence against women and children exist across the UK. Each year, over 1 million domestic violence incidents occur, with 800,000 women affected by sexual assault. In this context, NEVER A VICTIM serves as a crucial resource for those seeking to protect themselves or prevent violence.
The book’s unique angle is its challenge to societal myths that often blame victims. It calls on women to trust their instincts and recognise the physical signs of danger that their bodies provide. In this way, it aims to foster confidence and awareness, guiding women to understand their natural survival instincts.
“By connecting with their intuition, women can regain confidence in their ability to sense threats before they escalate,” says Lyndsey Dearlove, Global Director of Operations at The NO MORE Foundation. “NEVER A VICTIM empowers women to shed the shame and societal blame that are often placed on victims, and instead, to trust themselves and seek support.”
Kaiser’s research spans decades, involving collaboration with government agencies, support organisations, and survivors. This wealth of real-world experience informs the guide’s approach, grounding it in the lived realities of women affected by violence.
The book is available in both hardcover and eBook formats and is expected to be a crucial tool for women seeking to reclaim control over their safety in a world where violence against women is on the rise.