Self-Defense Tips for Women

No one wants to think about being attacked - but it happens. An estimated 1.9 million women in America are physically assaulted each year. What can you do to protect yourself? Be prepared.

What is self-defense?

Self-defense is about protecting your personal space and preventing people from hurting you. It involves preventing or surviving aggressive behaviors from verbal assaults to physical attacks. Self-defense can include using weapons like pepper spray to protect yourself. Being prepared can improve your chances of surviving an attack.

The following methods can help you prevent disaster:

• Learn to set boundaries. Let others know acceptable and unacceptable ways of treating you. Setting boundaries helps you to react correctly to unacceptable behavior.

• Be aware of your body language. Attackers often prey upon people whom they see as weak. Be confident, keep your head up and walk with a sense of purpose.

• Know what's going on around you. Is someone following you? Does the same car keep circling your block? Keep an eye out for places where an attacker could hide, such as in bushes, behind parked cars or in alleys. Women often know their attackers, so be aware of both strangers and people you know who may be acting differently toward you.

• Take a verbal approach. If someone is verbally attacking you or attempting to intimidate you, try agreeing with him or her - or try changing the subject. This may help distract the attacker's attention and calm the situation.

• Be around other people. If you're out at night, go with a group. Do not be alone if you can help it. Go where other people are gathered. Do not walk alone in parking ramps or lots.

• Keep your distance. Keep as much space as you can between yourself and a possible attacker. If you're in your car, stay there.

• Attract attention. If you're attacked, yell loudly. Not only will this help others hear you, but it will also force you to breathe. This helps you to think and act during an attack. Make noise - blow your car horn or a whistle. Throw things.

• Run. Don't fight unless you have to. Scream while trying to run away. Go somewhere safe, such as a police station or a public area. Fight only if you can't get away from your attacker.

• Consider your options. Even if your attacker is bigger and stronger than you, you still have options. Surprise the attacker with strong, purposeful, effective blows. Use strong parts of your body - the bottoms of your feet, your elbows and your hands. Aim at weak parts of the attacker - eyes, throat, groin and knees. Kick the attacker in the shins or in the groin. Stomp on the attacker's foot using your heel. If the attacker grabs your legs, fight with your arms.

Learn more

If you want to learn more about self-defense, consider taking a class. Check the Yellow Pages of your phone book.

It doesn't take years of classes to learn the basics of self-defense. However, it does take some practice. Practice your skills often so they become routine. If you are attacked, you'll be more likely to use the self-defense skills you've been learning and practicing.

Sources:

Self Defense for Women. What is women's self defense? Accessed April 25, 2007.

Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women. Self-defense & safety: frequently asked questions. Accessed April 25, 2007.

AWARE: Arming Women Against Rape & Endangerment. Alarms and whistles. Accessed April 25, 2007.

Medlineplus Health Information. Rape. Accessed April 25, 2007.