We can’t imagine a more frightening experience than that which happened to a Vicksburg woman last weekend.

This woman, 72, was asleep in her bed in her home when two men, neither of whom she knew, kicked open her locked door, entered her home, robbed her at gunpoint and sexually assaulted her.

That invasion of her person and property is unimaginable for most. We feel for her, and share her anger over the senseless, violent attack.

This woman did nothing wrong. She was in her own home, doors locked. She could have done nothing to prevent this horrific attack. She was the unfortunate victim of criminals with no regard for other human beings.

When able, this woman sought help from a neighbor, who called the police.

More than ever, we need to keep an eye out for each other. Get to know your neighbors if you don’t already. Pay attention to what happens in your neighborhood. Be familiar with your surroundings so you’ll know when something or someone unusual and potentially threatening arrives.

The Church of the Holy Trinity here recently hosted two crime prevention specialists from the Vicksburg Police Department at its Ladies Night Out, who talked to those there about keeping themselves safe.

One of their tips, shared by Beth Palmer, rector at Holy Trinity, is to limit your distractions, particularly if you are in an unfamiliar or risky situation. For instance, “if you are walking through a deserted parking lot, don’t try to talk on your cell phone or text at the same time. Keep your phone handy in the event you need to call for help, but don’t be so fixated on it that you don’t notice what’s going on around you, particularly if something or someone looks out of place,” Palmer wrote in an email.

And, by all means, trust your instincts. If your gut feeling tells you a situation isn’t what it should be, leave! Seek something or someone familiar or seek help! Your intuition is your best friend. Trust the warnings it gives you.

Unfortunately, we can’t prevent all crime. However, by being more aware of your surroundings, using common sense and trusting our instincts, we may can save our loved ones and ourselves needless suffering and heartache.