Self Defense Tactics
These self defense tactics are to be employed when you are confronted by an attacker. Hopefully you may never need to use them, but you should be prepared to if you have to. Most sexual assaults involve acquaintances of the victim: friends, family members or coworkers. Many attacks are preceded by signals you should be alert for. The visual sign would be first. Do you catch them starring at you, perhaps those eyes aren’t looking at your face. The verbal warning would be next, such as inappropriate comments. These comments should be rebuffed firmly and immediately, hopefully this could squash his plans right here. Most assailants are looking for an easy target. Remember: the look, the talk, and then the physical attack. If you have a gut feeling that you are being followed/approached by someone who you are not comfortable with- a stranger or someone you know- turn to look at them in the eye with your best "Don’t mess with me" look. Sometimes this alone will be enough to make them change their mind. It not only demonstrates your lack of fear, but now you can identify them, also. If they continue to advance toward you, you will need verbalize- firmly and loudly- in an authoritative voice, "Get away from me!" and/or "Leave me alone!". This is one of the self defense tactics that has worked countless times. It takes courage to execute, as your logical mind tries to convince you that this person is just walking past you with no intention of causing you harm. Always follow your instinct. It is better to be considered rude or feel foolish than to be assaulted for not having the guts to verbalize. Do not cry, hold it together. Display bravery, even if you don’t feel it. This technique will not be effective if you find yourself (and him in a secluded place- never let that happen). Is running away a good tactic? Yes, it can be an excellent tactic as long as you have somewhere to run. He can probably run faster than you, although if he displays any kind of disability that would slow him down, you would have a better chance. Is there some kind of safety within a short distance that you could get to? If not, running may not be the best option. Let’s face it, if you run and he catches you, you no longer have the opportunity to show him you are not afraid of him and startle him with your verbal defense. The next step from self defense tactics is
Techniques of basic self defense.
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