Coming out Ahead when it Comes to Self Defense
In the movies, the victim of an attack usually manages to get away. She uses a tactically placed kick or clubs the attacker with an everyday object she happens to have in her hands, and escapes just in the nick of time.
Unfortunately, it is not always so simple in real life attacks. The attacker expects there to be resistance from the victim, and he is prepared to deal with it. In order to exercise true self defense, though, the victim should take all precautions to avoid possible confrontation from an attacker, then fight back heartily only when absolutely necessary.
Escape is Your Best Line of Defense
Rather than get entangled in a physical confrontation with someone who is charged up on alcohol, drugs, or adrenaline, it is far safer and easier to try to get away. Trust your instincts, and if they tell you to get out of a certain area, do so immediately. Dark parking lots and back alleys are two such places you do not want to traverse alone.
Learn Self Defense
Take a class that teaches you how to react properly to dangerous situations by quickly sizing them up and taking the appropriate action. You can learn how to break an attacker’s hold or how to catch him off guard. These give you an even greater chance for making an escape.
If all Else Fails, Fight
If everything else fails and you fall victim to an attack, fight. Do not play fair, though – fight to win. Try to hurt your attacker. You will have even greater success if you carry a personal safety weapon with you, such as a high voltage yet compact personal taser or a powerful stun gun. Small and portable yet ear piercing screecher alarms draw attention to you and may scare off an attacker. A safety spray such as pepper spray is yet another powerful weapon that may allow you disable your attacker long enough to get away.
As soon as your attacker lets go of you or backs away, run to safety and immediately notify the police.