1. PRACTICE AWARENESS

• This is your first line of defence. Most people think of kicks to the groin and blocking punches when they hear the term “self-defence.” However, true self-defense begins long before any actual physical contact. The first, and probably most important, component in self-defense is awareness: awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and your potential attacker’s likely strategies. The criminal’s primary strategy is to use the advantage of surprise. Studies have shown that criminals are adept at choosing targets who appear to be unaware of what is going on around them. By being aware of your surroundings and by projecting a “force presence,” many altercations which are commonplace on the street can be avoided.

2. USE YOUR SIXTH SENSE

• “Sixth sense.” “Gut instinct.” Whatever you call it, your intuition is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people. All of us, especially women, have this gift, but very few of us pay attention to it. Learn to trust this power and use it to your full advantage. Avoid a person or a situation which does not “feel” safe - you’re probably right.

3. TAKE SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING

• It is important to evaluate the goals and practical usefulness of a women’s self-defence program before signing up.

Here are two tips:

• Avoid martial arts studios unless you specifically wish to train in the traditional martial arts techniques and are prepared for a long-term commitment. Many women’s self-defence programs teach watered-down martial arts techniques that are complex and unrealistic under the stress of an actual attack.
• The self-defence program should include simulated assaults, with a fully padded instructor in realistic rape and attack scenarios, to allow you to practice what you’ve learned.

4. ESCAPE IS ALWAYS YOUR BEST OPTION

• What if the unthinkable happens? You are suddenly confronted by a predator who demands that you go with him - be it in a car, or into an alley, or a building. It would seem prudent to obey, but you must never leave the primary crime scene with the predator. You are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured if you go with the predator than if you run away (even if he promises not to hurt you). Run away, yell for help, throw a rock through a store or car window - do whatever you can to attract attention. And if the criminal is after your purse or other material items, throw them one way while you run the other.

5. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO FIGHT

• Unfortunately, no matter how diligently we practice awareness and avoidance techniques, we may find ourselves in a physical confrontation. Whether or not you have self-defence training, and no matter what your age or physical condition, it is important to understand that you CAN and SHOULD defend yourself physically. You have both the moral and legal right to do so, even if the attacker is only threatening you and hasn’t struck first. Many women worry that they will anger the attacker and get hurt worse if they defend themselves, but statistics clearly show that your odds of survival are far greater if you do fight back. Aim for the eyes first and the groin second. Remember, though, to use the element of surprise to your advantage - strike quickly, and mean business. You may only get one chance.