Overview
Physical self defense is an important tool, but also one that rarely needs to be used. Using situational awareness and verbal self defense can prevent things from escalating. Physical self defense is not necessarily about strength, as an attacker is often larger than the victim.
Situational Awareness
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Be alert. Being aware of your surroundings in public, particularly if you are alone, is one of the best ways to stay safe.
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Avoid and remove yourself from situations that you feel could become dangerous. This could look like switching subway cars if you are made uncomfortable by someone in yours, or stopping in a bodega if you feel you are being followed on a walk.
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Try to move to an area with more people if one person is making you uncomfortable.
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It is always best to try to get away from a situation before you need to use any kind of self defense.
Verbal Self Defense
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Say "no." No means that you do not consent. Although it might not make your attacker stop, it makes it clear to anyone near by that you need help. You can also say things like: "stop," "get away from me," or "do not touch me."
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Do not laugh. Although you may want to laugh if you are in an uncomfortable situation, it makes both the attacker and the people around you think that you are joking and you do not care if they stop.
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Be loud and confident. When you say something like "no," make sure you say it loud enough for other people to hear and say with confidence so that you are taken seriously.
Physical Self Defense
Where
The most important thing to keep in mind when using self defense is where to strike your attacker. Even if you cannot remember specific moves, try to strike in the vulnerable places outlined below:
Graphic is a still image from a YouTube video by BRIGHT SIDE
How
In physical self defense, certain moves will have more impact than others. This YouTube video from BuzzFeed outlines several good, effective moves.
It is important to refresh your memory on these moves every few months or so, in order to make sure that they are muscle-memory. If you find yourself in a situation where self defense is necessary, it is likely that adrenaline will make you stronger than usual, so, when practicing, don't worry about your strength and focus on fully memorizing.
Why
When would you use physical self defense? You would only use it in a situation where an attacker was physical with you first. Never be the first one to initiate contact, but if someone has already touched you (for example, grabbed or hit you), then you can respond with the moves above.