As young college women, we should all be aware of how to stay clear of danger, and if we have to, how to defend ourselves. Whether you go to school in a big city or a small town, there can always be threats to your safety and if you are aware of your surroundings and know basic defense, you can save your life. Recently, I took a self-defense class with my sorority sisters, taught by the police force at our school. It was actually a lot of fun, and I know I walked out of there having learned a lot. Today I’m going to give you a few tips about personal safety, but I suggest everyone take one of these classes to actually learn some basic self defense moves for yourself!
Try to find one through your local police station, YMCA, nearest martial arts facility, or through contacting your school. Or take a RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) class.
Avoid an Attack
♥ Try not to walk alone, especially around a big city or in a deserted area. Obviously, women who are alone at night are seen as an easier target than those in a group.
♥ Try not to carry a lot of things with you. Take the things out of your purse that you don’t need and leave them at home. I usually try to bring a small cross-body bag if I’m going to be walking around the city.
Cross-body mini hobo, $38
♥ Walk with confidence and always look up. Even if you don’t know where you’re going, walk like you know what’s going on and where you are.
♥ If you see a suspicious person that feels threatening, always look them in the eye and be observant about what they look like or might be wearing. That way, they know that you would be able to identify them later.
♥ If you think someone might be following you, cross the street or change directions in a way that it wouldn’t normally make sense to walk. If you are driving, do a series of turns until you’ve made a circle, but do not go home, because then if someone follows you they will know where you live.
♥ If you live alone, put only your initials on your mailbox or put two names so that a stranger doesn’t know you’re the only one home, or that you’re a woman living alone.
If Someone Does Attack
♥ Mace is illegal to carry in some areas. Instead, carry a small can of hairspray with you, it will have the same effect when sprayed into someone’s eyes.
♥ My friend has this really interesting cat key chain that can be used a weapon. You just put your fingers through the eyes and stab someone with the pointy ears. And you can hold your keys on it.
Wild Cat Keychain, $5 for a set of 2
♥ If you are grabbed from behind, you can use your head as a weapon and hit your attacker in the face or throat.
♥ The neck, eyes, and knees are very vulnerable spots to hit if you get a chance. Remember, it only takes one hit to distract an attacker so you will be able to run away.
What Do You Think?
If you want to learn more about how to react in more specific situations, I found a lot of great stories and interesting facts here. Has anyone ever had to defend themselves against an attacker? What are some ways you stay safe at school or at home?
