Former Marine, rape survivor from Triangle writes book on uncommon self-defense strategies

CJ Scarlet's book covers serious topics aimed at helping women, especially young women, take charge of their personal safety.

In the same vein as the #MeToo movement, the book points out that predators are often people women know — coworkers, family friends and even relatives. They are rarely people jumping out of the bushes.

Her strategy for self-protection and defense focuses on having clear boundaries, following one's intuition and having the moxie to stand up for oneself.

"It's about owning your intuition and your boundaries and standing up for them," Scarlet said.

"And doing what you need to do to protect yourself. The #MeToo movement is a really important movement that I think is going to make a really big difference over time, but it doesn't go far enough. My mission is to help women and girls learn how to keep from being victimized at all."

Scarlet focuses on a woman's unique ability to sense danger in subtle way, which she calls a "superpower," and she wants all women to tap into.

“My hope is that The Badass Girl’s Guide will encourage women and girls to stand up for themselves, making them feel more confident and secure,” Scarlet said.

Scarlett is holding an official kick-off to launch the book Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at HQ Raleigh.