Tulsans File In For Personal Safety Seminar

Tulsans took a stand to protect themselves from a sexual attacker. Just this month, police believe the same man has sexually assaulted six women, all strangers. Neighbors are taking their safety seriously before he strikes again.

6/22/2014 Related Story: Tulsa Police Issue Update On Serial Sexual Assaults

Two of the attacks happened in Brookside, where Thursday's safety meeting was held.

Experts said in a situation like this, it's easy for folks to become obsessed with fear. The message was if we let that happen, the bad guy wins and we, of course, we want the bad guy to lose.

Crime Prevention Network Coordinator, Bart Dean, said to show confidence. When it comes to safety, attitude is everything.

"If you look like a victim, you're more likely to be a victim," he said. "Even if you're faking it, use that. Put the attitude on there, get out there and be aggressive and look them in the eye. Look 'em in the eye, pay attention, say ‘hi, how ya doing?'"

The serial sexual assaulter has been targeting single woman 50 and older.

It was a packed house at All Souls Unitarian Church; a crowd of mostly women wanting know how they protect themselves, should the worst happen.

"We're very concerned about our neighborhood and about what's going on in Tulsa," said Bill and Jane Richardson.

Tulsa resident, Betty Morrow, said, "Well, I'm 87 years old and I wouldn't stand a chance if someone wanted to just knock me over."

Safety experts said know what you're capable of and use that to offset weaknesses. Have a plan in place ahead of time. Know your escape route and what you'd do if you're attacked.

"What I thought about was punching them in the eyes or something, you know," Morrow said.

Dean's most important advice is to be alert and know what's normal around your house and neighborhood. He said the bad guys don't want to be noticed. If something looks out of place, or doesn't feel right, call the police.

If you do get attacked, safety experts said, obviously do whatever you have to do to survive, but secondly get a good look at your attacker.

You want to be able to give police the best, possible description so they can go out and stop the criminal.