I love, love, love this topic! What woman (hell, what man) doesn't need to learn a few tips on how to defend oneself?!
Jessica made a great point when she emailed me the story about the rapist in Orange County who attacked two women, raping one of them! (FULL STORY) She wrote,
"Since we can't live in a bubble even though I want to what can we do as women to protect ourselves?"
It's a great question that I don't think we ask ourselves enough. Most of us are guilty of the 'it won't happen to me' mentality and that's what predators are banking on.
I have been to a self-defense seminar before, but to answer Jessica's question, I did a little research to refresh my memory.
SELF-DEFENSE TIPS:
- Hand over that wallet, purse, shopping bag, keys or whatever you're holding that they want! Your life is not worth whatever it is you're trying to keep! If you're lucky, that's all your attacker wanted and he may leave you unharmed.
- Lifehacker.com tells you "as soon as your attacker touches you scream the words "BACK OFF!!!" or make ANY loud noise...It will a) intimidate him b) possibly scare him off since they don't want to be caught and b) alert anyone else within ear shot
- Go after these parts if fighting ensues: gouging the eyes, palming the nose, karate chopping the throat or kicking in the knee
- If a real weapon isn't accessible, use ANYTHING as a weapon like your keys or throw dirt in his eyes
- Don't forget about pulling his fingers back if you're put in a choke hold from behind
- Always be aware of others around you when walking by looking at people in the EYES. Don't look down when you walk to your car or down the street. Attackers are less likely to choose you if you've seen a clear look at their face.
Of course nothing is better than to actually take a self-defense class. I don't know of any I can personally refer to you that still exist so here's the best I found by searching around the internet. It seems like the most credible of them all since it's done by the UCF police department. It's only $5 to register.
Here's the link: http://police.ucf.edu/selfdefense.html
Hope this helps. It's made me want to register too! Besos, xoxo
Email me with any of your questions or suggestions for Yo Laura at lauradiaz@xl1067.com
