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Women's Self Defense Techniques

Updated on June 28, 2013

Disclaimer: If it can be done safely, it is recommended by this author that you avoid physical violence if at all possible. Escape should take priority over confrontation, dealing with consequences of stolen or damaged property through law enforcement and the local court system.

Source

How to Stay Safe

Knowing what to do in order to protect yourself and your loved ones is absolutely imperative! In any given situation, you could find yourself under attack. Generally speaking, women are physically weaker than men and have a disadvantage when it comes to an altercation. Women must rely on their wits to deter or over power a possible attacker.

One of the most important deterrents in preventing an attack is an air of confidence, vigilance, and surprise. A would be assailant is hesitant if he believes there will be a fight, or if he believes his victim will be prepared. The weaker appearing people are more likely to become victims. Therefore, it is important to appear confident, as if you have a secret of some sort. This will convey to the potential attacker the possibility of you having a weapon, special skill, or fast responding help. In a case such as this, he is likely to move on and leave you alone.

Walk with your head held high and shoulders back. Be sure to scan the area up and down as well as side to side when in public places. Always have something concealed in your hand such as your keys, pepper spray, or phone. Make it known that you have something in your hand WITHOUT revealing what it is. You could also walk with your hand visibly lodged in your purse. Between your confident walk, alert demeanor, and suggesting the element of surprise by carrying something in your hand, you are much less likely to be a target for violenceattack.

Young adults at the gun range practicing self defense shooting techniques
Young adults at the gun range practicing self defense shooting techniques | Source

Common Predator Schemes

You may not be aware of some of the most common predator schemes in order to trap women (or men) in a vulnerable position in order to inflict harm. Assailants use a person’s good nature in order to do this. Sometimes he will set up a baby stroller or car seat near a secluded or wooded area giving the appearance of an abandoned child. Sometimes he will use animals to lure his victims into a viable area for attack. It is possible that he will cause a minor accident or small fender bender in order to get you to stop your vehicle in an area of his choice. Predators are not always men, and don’t always act alone.

It is of the utmost importance that you use your logic and ignore emotion at all times. This is not to say that you shouldn’t help the possible stranded child or injured animal, but calling authorities to follow up on the matter is your wisest choice. If your vehicle is hit in an area that is not in full view of the public, well lit, and very active, DO NOT STOP. Instead, go to the nearest law enforcement agency or trustworthy individual and explain what happened.

Statistical Information

US Statics
Global Statics
18.3 % of women in the United States have survived a completed or attempted rape. Of these, 12.3% were younger than age 12 when they were first raped, and 29.9% were between the ages of 11 and 17.
Globally, at least one in three women and girls is beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime.
63.84% of women who reported being raped, physically assaulted, and/or stalked since age 18 were victimized by a current or former husband, cohabiting partner, boyfriend, or date
4 million women and girls are trafficked annually.
The FBI estimates that only 37% of all rapes are reported to the police.
In a study of 475 people in prostitution from five countries (South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, USA, and Zambia): 62% reported having been raped in prostitution. 73% reported having experienced physical assault in prostitution. 92% stated that they wanted to escape prostitution immediately.
Almost one-third of female homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner.
More than 90 million African women and girls are victims of female circumcision or other forms of genital mutilation.

Martial Arts Classes

Self defense classes in the Martial Arts are a terrific idea! Not only will you become able to defend yourself, but they are great exercise classes as well. There are many types of the Martial Arts that can be beneficial to an individual:

  • Kick Boxing
  • Karate
  • Tai Kwon Do
  • Jiu-Jitsu
  • Bully Prevention
  • Muay Tai

Even the art of dance and sports of many types can be beneficial in fighting off an attacker as it promotes strength, flexibility, and stamina. A physically fit person has a definite advantage over a person who is unable to fight, run, or show physical strength.

Never corner yourself in a dark alley like this one.  A wise person always has an escape.
Never corner yourself in a dark alley like this one. A wise person always has an escape. | Source

Are You Prepared?

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Firearms, Pepper Spray, and Other Weapons

As you can see in the video above, firing a weapon can be fun as well as teach you how to take down an intruder or attacker. It is highly recommended that a woman be prepared for an attack at all times. If this means to use a firearm in self defense, then the more practice she has the better. In the event of a break in, it is more likely that the intruder will be within short range as opposed to far away, so it is imperative you learn to shoot from the hip as well as distant target shooting.

The same applies to other weapons such as pepper spray and tasers. Learning to deactivate your attacker from a short distance as well as a longer distance is extremely important. Remember, you want to be prepared for anything.

Keep in mind that you may use anything within reach as a weapon. Your car keys make a great weapon if you are attacked in a parking lot. Always be sure to have them in your hand and lodged with one key sticking out between your fingers. You can uses tree branches, tools, furniture, and items on your person as weapons if need be. Try to imagine all possible scenarios and make a defensive plan to review in your own mind on occasion.

Also, always allow yourself an escape route. Never, ever put yourself in a situation where you are trapped while in public. It is a good idea to look for emergency exits in all public places and be prepared to move quickly, helping others along the way, should there be an emergency of some sort.

I hope this article was educational and encouraging. Please be sure to share it with all your female friends and family. As always, your input is always welcomed and appreciated. Please leave a suggestion or state your opinion in the comments section below.

"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen

God Bless You, and stay safe, my friends ~ Margaret Sullivan

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