nubianurse's Blog

In my last post, my daughter did all the right things to avoid an assault; she didn't argue with the thug, she remained calm, she moved away, etc. Often that's not enough to thwart an assault. I've been mugged at least 3 times in my life and each time, I was unarmed which is often the case with most women because we think " it won't happen to me." It may......one day. Will you be prepared? If you're not, then here's what you SHOULD do to protect yourself from assault:
Do as much as you can to avoid a confrontation - "anticipation and avoidance" are the key words. If you get caught up in a situation, try to talk to an aggressor without provoking them. Practice relaxation, as appearing fearful or stressed can actually provoke an attack.. Remember that body language is important in aggressive situations, so maintain a comfortable distance between you and the aggressor. (As my daughter tried to do.)
Use an electronic attack alarm, as these give out a short, piercing sound and will temporarily disorientate an attacker, giving you enough time to escape. Carry it somewhere you can get to it quickly- don't leave it buried at the bottom of your handbag! If you don't have an alarm, just make a noise yourself by screaming as loud as you can "FIRE!" not "HELP!" because people today don't like to get involved but no one wants a fire in their neighborhood so they'll respond to that by coming out to look or calling 911.

Steady yourself if danger threatens, panic can disable you so it's useful to learn how to keep in control in a difficult situation. And if you fight back, adopt what police term the "bash and dash" approach. Primary targets are the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, throat, groin, knees or shins; choose whatever is easy to get to.

If held from behind don't struggle forward, you'll only exhaust yourself. Instead throw yourself backwards hard to surprise your attacker or go limp, It's hard to drag dead weight. Then stomp on their lower leg or foot when you get the chance.

You have the right to defend yourself with reasonable force and this includes using items you have with you such as umbrellas, a briefcase, or keys (to the chest). However, don't carry or use anything that the law would regard as an offensive weapon like a box cutter or straight razor. (Pepper sprays and stun guns are legal in most states but you can contact your local police bureau for info.)

Personally, I carry a keychain pepper spray on my car keyring, a lipstick pepper spray in my purse and a 350,00 volt stungun in a holster clipped to my pantwaist under my nurse's uniform. I was a prison nurse for a while and the inmates who were sexual predators got a kick out of sharing their stories with us of how they targeted their victims. Some of these guys were REPEAT OFFENDERS meaning they keep getting out of jail and doing the same crimes. I choose NOT to be the next victim, I AM PREPARED!
Once you've achieved your primary aim of stunning or surprising your attacker, get away as fast as you can. If you manage to overcome them, don't attack them again, (though it may be tempting!) you could put yourself in more danger or end up being CHARGED WITH ASSAULT YOURSELF!
So, ladies, these are just the very basics of self-defense, but to learn more about it and get some exercise at the same time, find a local self-defense class and encourage your family along to join you. Just remember "anticipation and avoidance" are the best forms of defense.
Alethia (aka;StunGun Mama)
www.athena-self-defense.com

Several months ago, my 23-year-old daughter called me at work late one night sobbing hysterically. She works evenings as I do and has to use public transportation because she has no car. I asked what was wrong, she said that when she was on the subway, a man got on and sat down next to her. She said he tried to start a conversation with her but when she didn't respond he began verbally harrassing her. When she got up to move to another seat, he followed her. She then moved to another car but he followed her still hurling insults and profanity. My daughter was afraid. There was no security officers around and other passengers made no move to assist her even though most of them were men. I was terrified for her. She said she finally decided to just exit the train and wait for another. I asked her if there were other people around, there were none. So I stayed on the line with her to console her until the next train arrived. The next day I went out and bought my daughter a pepper spray to place on her key chain. This will at least offer a non-lethal measure of protection by blinding and choking her assailant for at least 20 minutes and allowing her time to get away and get help. As a mother, a woman and a former victim of sexual assault and domestic violence, I feel a responsibility to protect my daughters and the daughters of other mothers as well. So I bought pepper sprays for my other daughters, and their friends and co-workers and college students that they know. I only hope that they never have to use it.