Prevention
You may not have to use this if you are clearly aware of your surroundings. There was a study done in a prison where the attackers were asked how they chose their targets. The targets were all women, but some of it is more than just female features.
One thing that was taken into consideration was if they held an umbrella or a possible weapon. Carry an umbrella? You have one point in your favor. Carry a heavy purse? Another point in your favor. Open carry? I'd say you have nothing to worry about.
Another point in your favor is if you are paying attention. Sounds easy, right? But so many of us walk around on our phones and tablets listening to music on our earbuds. We tune out the world around us more than we think. Put the phone in your purse or pocket. Turn off the music and take off the headphones. Doing so makes it harder to be mugged.
The last point in your favor is greeting and looking at the people around you. Can you identify someone? If person A was going to mug person B, Would person A want to be described to a police sketch artist? Not at all. Greet people and look them in the eye. Uncomfortable, yes, but it may just save you. Should you be attacked, you can identify them for the police and that's the end of their freedom, as well as solid evidence in your favor.
Basics For Anyone
Anyone can do these regardless of size or gender. It is recommended to be able to defend yourself in today's society. Someone wants your wallet and purse? Give it to them and run. Your credit card can always be reported stolen and frozen. Don't lose your life over your purse, please.
1. Push back and be loud - You can both signal for help and show them you aren't an easy target by yelling. "back of!" "get away from me!" "Who are you?" "I'll call the police!" Don't be easy to quietly take. Silence is a bad idea.
2. Hitting sensitive places - If the first didn't work, hit and punch. Think SING (Sole, Instep, Nose, Groin). Other places include face, neck, ears, knees, legs, and any obvious injuries they had previously. Where to hit depends on proximity. Hit upper body with a knife-like hand position, palm-strike, tightly curled fist, or knuckles for soft targets,
3. False surrender - If your attacker is trying to tire you out, false surrender will trigger them to release you enough to make a hit and run for it. In sexual assaults, this is a big thing. When you are not going to be able to fight your way out of it, false surrender is something you need to try.
4. Self-defense classes - Basically, one blog post and several online website articles may not prepare you for any of this. Take classes. The internet is no substitute for actual classes on this.
Products For Self-Defense
There are companies that sell to (primarily) women. Pepper spray, tasers, and the like are good to have, in general. You can even get a knife-edge wedding band. Damsel In Defense is a major company who does this, but there are others. There are tactical pens you find, too, so if someone attacks you in an office, you can reach for it on your desk. If you can conceal carry or open carry, do so.
*The second source at the bottom of this post is the Damsel In Defense website.*
Pictures:
Stun and run self defense
STAR concepts
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