I am linking to these two posts again, if you have not read them yet then I suggest that you do, politely of course. Hayden’s Women Need Protecting and Joy’s post Safety tips for children. Those posts really have me thinking and before they think I am “link stalking” let me explain.
There are some things we take for granted, personal safety and protection is definitely one of them. Doesn’t matter if you are male or female we both do it. Through the years we learn here and there, this one says we must do that if attacked in this way. That one says we must rather do this … and so it goes on and on. The hard truth is though that when you find yourself in that dangerous situation when you NEED to remember what to do, you don’t, you forget it all. Our minds can freeze not to mention our bodies.
Some say it is paranoia that makes a person learn these things, that makes a person train in self-protection. To be honest, it is just plain stupidity not to. So here are the tips that I have kept and have used, the ones that I think work well in any situation.
The Whistle
Out of all the tips I have been given I think the one that has stuck with me at all times is the whistle. It is so small and light that you can keep it in your pocket, on a band around your arm, on a chain around your neck, anywhere you choose it can be, even in your sock (though that might be a bit uncomfortable). The sound of a whistle also travels further than any human shout, it is piercing and loud.
If you are pulled into a strange car or someone is really hassling you in close range the piercing sound of the whistle will also startle the perpetrator giving you time to try and escape. At the very least it will cause them to react via reflex and put their hands over their ears. They aren’t prepared for the noise, you are.
I feel kids and especially women should have a whistle on them at all times. Yes, I have a Spiderman one and I used to have the web launcher but that is another story for a different time and definitely not safety related.
Elbow
Not the band, though they are excellent, is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do. Seriously, there is nothing worse than an elbow in the groin (my brother says this is fact) or stomach (he got me back). Better yet is the throat, if you can reach aim there as the pain caused is far greater than the lower jewels. I am talking both male and female here.
Robbers/Robbers
If a robber/mugger asks for your wallet/purse what ever you do DO NOT hand it to them. Instead always toss it away from you… Chances are that they are more interested in your wallet/purse than you. After tossing it away from you RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
If you want to practice try softball or throwing something in the garden. Please note that should you live on third floor of building do not practice throwing something from your window.
Kidnapped
If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
Please note that it is recommended that you remove your stiletto’s should you be wearing them (yes both boys and girls).
Getting into your car
These things should be habit.
1. Be aware: Look around you, Look into your car, At the passenger side floor and in the back seat.
2. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. I know you will look like an absolute monkey climbing over the passenger’s seat but this is your life we are talking about, besides it is time you come to realise you look like a monkey anyway. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
3. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. You may feel like a paranoid fool doing this but it is your LIFE.
No I am not meaning to make you paranoid, believe it or not a lot of us do this without even thinking, it is second nature.
Parking lots
Why do you get into your car and sit there going through your slips or lists?
That is both one of the most popular and dangerous times for an attack. Women especially are susceptible to this one due to them being “easy” targets. Easy as in that is what they think, not necessarily so when you have a stiletto in your hand and aimed at the eyeball.
While you sit in your car doing what ever you do, just sitting there, the predator (not lion) will be watching you. This is the perfect opportunity for them to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
Gun to your head
DO NOT DRIVE OFF
Repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF!
Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. It is ONLY a car! Your Air Bag will save YOU. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead
Gun pointing at you
If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times. Even then it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!
If you must practice try doing this in the street with your arms in the air doing chicken movements. If all else fails at least the locals will know not to mess with you. You may even get gifts in the form of straight jackets!
Stairs
If you have a choice between an elevator and a flight of stairs choose the elevator without blinking an eyelid. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!
Just be careful, be alert and be safe
Create good habits that become second nature
No harm, no foul
First published 2008
Header Image – CC – Self Defense – how to articles from wikiHow
Hayden Tompkins
•15 years ago
I lOVE this post. Much of this I know from being a prepared woman in Miami…but the back light thing? Thank you for sharing that!
Speaking of Self-Defense… « Persistent Illusion
•15 years ago
[…] Africa and how it affected her perception of what is really important. She then posted a pretty comprehensive article on self-defense and also referred to an article written by Joyerickson on safety tips for […]
SanityFound
•15 years ago
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s strange how we go through and we pick up the tips and the rules of the land. I want to actually try that backlight thing sounds an interesting one indoods!
Joy
•15 years ago
It’s really sad we have to be this way but like you say, it’s better to be prepared. I don’t want to scare my grandchildren and didn’t want to scare my boys but everyone should know things that will may someday help them. There are many things we learn in this life that help us. Learning new things isn’t always a bad thing. Thanks for posting this.
froggywoogie
•15 years ago
Should I add: take self defence classes?
. Most aren’t expensive;
. That help you to gain reflexes and speed that will help you in case of critical situation;
. You get more body flexibility;
. You feel more self confident;
. YOU LOOK more self confident, which is important;
. You get to make friends there and chances are that
you’ll meet them sometimes in your local environment, transforming the frightened yourself one into a wild horde lol;
Occasionally you’ll build up your body into a steel and sexy tigress…
Jennifer
•15 years ago
I would agree that a self-defense class can be an incredible experience. I would highly recommend one not just for women but for men as well.
I would caution however that prior to signing up for class that you ask around and choose a ‘good’ class. While you don’t have to choose a pricey one, it is good to find out from others whether they felt a class was worthwhile.
I had the unfortunate experience while in college of taking a self defense class from a woman who seemed versed enough when it came to physical moves, but ended every class with stories about why the moves were needed or why self defense was so important. 99% of her stories that she always said she had heard from a friend could be looked up in any urban legends book as being totally bogus and untrue. Yet these young girls were eating it right up and were absolutely petrified for example that the next time they walked out to their car someone would be hiding underneath to slice their achilles tendon and then kidnap them. Girls were leaving the class frightened rather than empowered….the opposite effect that one would hope from a self defense class.
So my advice, as with everything, is if you’re going to do something, be sure to do it well. 🙂
glaize
•15 years ago
This could come handy 😀
holeycheese
•15 years ago
ehmn.. most of theese situations you describe are totally new to me.. unheard of. Doesn’t make much sense in this part of the world. But I’ll keep it in mind if I ever go to South Africa, the US or Rio de Janeiro =)
I tell you – the list would look a lot different here in Israel.. since the dangers are different.
SanityFound
•15 years ago
Joy I couldn’t agree more, I think that is probably why the whistle is so popular, it is less scary. Learning new things is never a bad thing especially when it is about looking after and protecting yourself. Here it is second nature most of the time, a child will experience a crime against them by the age of 6 be it burglary, car jacking, trauma in general or abuse. Sad. Get those kids the whistles and yourself one as well – I say Catwoman *grins*
Froggywoogie “Occasionally you’ll build up your body into a steel and sexy tigress” lol funny man you are indeed these things happen every now and then. I should’ve added that on but that is long term and these are immediate can do’s. Personally, no one should mess with me coz I know da moves.
Jennifer I couldn’t agree more, specially with these things you have to be engaged with the instructor and you have to shop around. Without all of that, getting a really pathetic instructor can actually do more damage than good! Welcome to the home of insanity!
Glaize I hope you never have to use any of these, if you do call me and I will sort those bozo’s out for you. No one messes with my little sister, NO ONE!
Holeycheese Our current dangers are very different but I know and relate to yours. You learn to look out for different things. I remember never going near anything that looked abandoned, I would cross the street if it looked like a package on the street, I only travelled at certain times. Different set of rules, different set all together and yet similar. We adapt yes?
Self Defence and the Cool Habit Gang – Sanityfound
•5 years ago
[…] First published 2008 […]