Self-defense tips

1. Listen to your intuition.  You need to keep your internal radar tuned to pick up signals that something might be wrong. Ignoring the early warning signs might escalate into dangerous harassment and pursuit.

2. Do not act or look like an easy target - look confident! Don't make it obvious that you are traveling 'alone' or you are new to that place. Avoid looking nervous when walking. Keep your head up, swing your arms and act confident. Adopt a ‘no-nonsense’ attitude.

3. Walk with purpose and you'll be less of a target. If you look like a victim, you may become one.

4. Stay in well-lighted areas, away from alleys, bushes and entry ways. If you can, avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots and other deserted places esp. if you are not familiar with those areas.

5. It is advisable to take different routes to the work place. Regularly change your routine. Routines are easily observable and can be anticipated.

6. Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call. Know the locations of call boxes and telephones along your regular route.

7. If a driver stops to ask you directions, avoid getting near the car. If you are too close, you may get grabbed at.

8. Hold your purse close, not dangling, with the opening facing toward you.

9. When walking with another person, the purse should be held between the two. Avoid carrying extra money or valuables on your person.  

10. Limit the number of bundles you have to carry by using a backpack or bag with a shoulder strap. This will ensure that your hands are free to defend.

11. Always walk against the traffic so that you can see what is coming. If you do need to walk in the direction of the traffic, and should a car start to follow you, immediately turn and walk the opposite way- the driver will have to turn around to follow you.

12.If you must ask for directions, approach families or women with children. To be extra safe, say, "Where is the --? I'm meeting my husband there."

13. f there is an attack despite all precautions, the golden rule is, 'Escape if you can, fight if you must!' The eyes, knees, throat and groin are very vulnerable, good places to gouge and kick. But listen to your instincts and try to determine if a counter attack by you is the best approach. If you do decide to fight, make sure your first move is as forceful as possible. It may be your only hope.

14. If you are grabbed at you may begin by pinching the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the upper inner thigh HARD. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it hurts.

15. While your assailant is recovering from this one, kick him, especially on the groin and on the kneecaps of the assailant, it can prove very effective. A counter attack on the assailant's face is equally effective, especially punching his nose, gouging his eyes/poking your fingers hard it his eyes or slapping him really hard.

16. It is important to react immediately without losing courage or your presence of mind. Women who keep in mind that an attacker is not invincible are also using the idea of vulnerable targets to form an emotional defense. Psychological defenses such as this also prepare a woman for good physical defense. When she decides to fight, she will know exactly what to aim for.

17. Practice looking around yourself in different areas and try to think of uses for the items at hand. Do this on a regular basis so your mind will be able to spot them quickly if needed. You want to practice this enough so that it becomes instinctual.

18. Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at them and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.

19. Do not be overly sympathetic towards strangers and fall for their sob stories. If someone asks for the time, directions, or help in or around their car, be as courteous as possible but keep moving. You can always assist the stranger by making a phone call to police from a safe location, or by finding others to go back and help with you.

20. Don’t use a "walkman" or talk on the mobile phone while walking, esp. in isolated areas at any time. Talking on a cell phone or listening to headphones makes you easy prey for a predator because you are off guard and can be easily overpowered.