When walking to her car alone, particularly after dark, Jude Leibel puts a key between each finger and clenches her hand into a fist.
It’s a technique the life coach learnt during 15 years on the beat as a police officer – and it’s a warning to would-be attackers that she was a force to be reckoned with.
“The way I communicate with my body, people know not to mess with me,” the Sunshine North resident said. “It’s all about the perception that you throw out to other people.
“I walk with the physiology that says I’m not a soft target.”
This week Ms Leibel is hosting a breakfast to give woman some tools to feel more confident and safe in their communities.
The 39-year-old said the state government’s pledge to hire at least 2400 new police officers in response to rising demands on Victoria Police is a step in the right direction.
The announcement will boost police numbers by almost 20 per cent.
“But you can’t count on police being around the corner all the time,” she said.
While in the police force, Ms Leibel worked in crime prevention, the sexual offences and child abuse department and in general duties.
She resigned two years ago to become a life coach and give back to the community in a different, more nuanced way.
“With all the issues going around the west, such as stories of the Apex gang, women come up to me and say how scared they are to be home alone or out at night,” she said.
“Unfortunately we can’t get rid of all the creeps, but ladies can fend them off and stop themselves from becoming victims.”
Hear Ms Leibel on Wednesday, December 14, 7am, at The Plaza Tavern, Hoppers Crossing.
