- pay attention to surroundings, be aware, don't answer the door without checking who is on the other side
- practice screaming or whistling to get attention so that you won't get shy at the critical moment
- if you need to be in a bad neighborhood at a bad time, go with a friend or a big dog or a weapon that you have training with (pepper spray or whatever)
- take self-defense classes
I read somewhere that if you are being taken hostage, you need to resist with all your might not to be taken somewhere (as in don't get in the car...) because at that point the amount of control you have over your destiny goes way down....
Once in the position you describe... if there was potential help around, I would try to scream bloody murder "help" "rape" "fire" whatever...
If no help nearby I think I would try to relax, pay attention, look for an opening to do the old knee in the groin trick or bite 'em in the nose or whatever -- but I wouldn't be feeling real hopeful.
ok now for the critique, LT :)