Posted by Scott on March 12th, 2007 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
Julia Feldmeier writes interviews Carol Middleton about surviving a mugging:
I spoke with Carol Middleton, the 30-year veteran director of the DC Self-Defense Karate Association. Here are some of her tips on staying safe:
Let go! Middleton is a karate black belt, and yet when she was mugged 10 years ago, she quickly acquiesced. Later she learned that her attacker was notorious for firing his gun at the first sign of resistance. “That’s not everybody’s modus operandi, but you never know,” she says. “The safest thing to do is give up your property. It isn’t worth fighting for.”
Conceal your belongings. Purse-snatching is a “crime of opportunity,” Middleton says — and though bags may be cute, they’re also conspicuous. Middleton recommends keeping your belongings in a fanny pack. A more fashion-savvy option: slim bags with straps that go across the body.
Stay alert. Distractions such as cell phones or iPods make you a more likely target.
Carry cash. Middleton calls it “martyr money”: $30 to keep in your wallet in the event of a holdup. It’s an easy way to avoid a more prolonged, and costly, holdup at the ATM.
Ditch the pepper spray. People who carry mace or pepper spray “are more likely to get attacked — carrying it makes them believe that they’re somehow less vulnerable,” Middleton says. Muggers know there’s mace out there, she says, “and they’re ready for it. It’s going to get in your eyes, too.”
Keep keys handy. People commonly get mugged while fumbling for the key, Middleton says, so she advises keeping your key in your hand, pressed between thumb and forefinger. In the event of a physical attack, the key can be used as a self-defense tool, to be jabbed in the attacker’s face — though Middleton advises this approach only for physical attacks.
Read entire article by Julia Feldmeier.
I can understand how a feeling of invulnerability could lead people into more danger, but I still disagree with Middleton’s recommendation not to carry pepper spray. Why not just recommend people still avoid danger?
Overall, I like the above tips.
What do you think?
1 Comment »
Posted by Scott on March 7th, 2007 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
Marlene Lang writes that attitude is the best self defense:
…otherwise tough and independent women are often dangerously nice girls; we’re waiting politely for the prince, or a police officer, to save us.
But the police are rather busy these days, I hear.
And their appearance is every bit as unpredictable as that of the handsome prince.
What to do, ladies, in a dangerous world?
The author speaks rightly of “banishing fear” and teaching girls this fearless attitude “from the cradle.” Truly, if there is any first line of defense for women, it is to walk with a fearless attitude.
Predators of all stripes tend to sniff out the frightened and gullible, and steer clear of the strident and self-possessed.
Unlearning over-politeness, and our apologetic, debilitating niceness is a lifelong journey for some — and I do make a distinction, having no problem with actual manners! But author Sheldon L. Billips, and many others writing on these themes for women are correct in teaching us to “banish fear.” And that’s not about your front kick. It’s an attitude adjustment.
Read entire article by Marlene Lang.
Marlene Yang also points out that no self-defense technique will save an unarmed person from an armed attacker. People, especially women, need to avoid dangerous situations in the first place.
What do you think?
2 Comments »
Posted by Scott on March 6th, 2007 — Posted in Domestic Abuse, Rape & Sexual Assault
I had the following book about domestic violence and sexual victimization recommended to me:
|
|
The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker
“Each hour, 75 women are raped in the United States, and every few seconds, a woman is beaten. Each day, 400 Americans suffer shooting injuries, and another 1,100 face criminals armed with guns. Author Gavin de Becker says victims of violent behavior usually feel a sense of fear before any threat or violence takes place. They may distrust the fear, or it may impel them to some action that saves their lives. A leading expert on predicting violent behavior, de Becker believes we can all learn to recognize these signals of the “universal code of violence,” and use them as tools to help us survive. The book teaches how to identify the warning signals of a potential attacker and recommends strategies for dealing with the problem before it becomes life threatening. The case studies are gripping and suspenseful, and include tactics for dealing with similar situations.” -Amazon
|
What do you think?
2 Comments »
Posted by Scott on March 5th, 2007 — Posted in Domestic Abuse
Karen L. Bune recently wrote about domestic violence. I include an excerpt:
Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in all sectors of society–a syndrome that exhibits no bias in any regard and is not affected by race or economic class. Historically, domestic violence was viewed solely as males battering females, but this is no longer an exclusive distinction. Today, numerous males are victims of domestic violence. They are often reluctant, however, to admit their victimization due to the fact they feel ashamed, embarrassed, and fear ridicule if they reveal it. Though, today, there is greater awareness on the issue of domestic violence and there have been enhanced efforts to combat its scourge on society, there still remains a lot to be done. In current times, a significant degree of ignorance still prevails on the subject.
Read entire officer.com article by Karen L. Bune.
I recommend reading the full article, because she takes an in depth look into domestic violence and victim psychology.
What do you think?
No Comments »
Posted by Scott on March 4th, 2007 — Posted in Uncategorized
My friend C.T.’s self-defense instructor recieved a letter from a female student and friend of C.T.’s a couple days ago. Here it is:
I just wanted to let you all know of something that happened to me today in the Target parking lot. Be aware of this and let everyone you know be aware so this does not happen to anyone else. I was at Target today to return something which only took a couple of minutes. When I pulled into the parking lot a man in a car pulled in a couple spaces down from me. He started to go into the store about the same time as I did, then turned back around and went back to his car. I went into Target returned my items and walked back out to get into my car. When I walked out, he was walking away from my car carrying a small gas can. I noticed there was fluid on the side of my car and a puddle beside it. I got into my car not sure of what happened, wrote down his license plate # and left. He followed me out of the parking lot. I was only able to drive about a half a mile and my car started acting funny. It died on me as I was driving and I was able to pull into an area business along the highway. I just sat in my car and ccalled the police.
The man drove by three times as I waited. The police who came took a report and said that he had poured sugar water into my gas tank which is what made my car stall. It was a great way to get a woman by herself to be stranded on the streets. Luckily for me I was able to stop where there were people around. The police know where the car came from and are working on this now. Not sure what will happen but my car is now in the shop not running, but it could have been much worse for me. Just be aware that this is happening and always be aware of your surroundings. It certainly scared me and I am grateful that nothing else happened.
Luckily this woman saved herself from even worse victimization by pulling over in a populated area. I posted this letter so people can know the threats out there. What do you think?
No Comments »
Posted by Scott on March 3rd, 2007 — Posted in Child Protection
Michael Starr offers the following self-defense tips:
What are the top 5-tips any parent can teach their child?
Age 4-8:
1. No adult ever needs help from a child.
2. Stay close to your guardian (within eye sight).
3. If separated from your guardian look for a police officer, someone who works at the store or other authority figure.
4. Make sure your child carries an identification card (i.e. Mom or Dad’s business card with a cell phone number and child’s name).
5. If a stranger tries to hurt you, scream for help, kick, make a scene. Don’t stop!
Age 8 and up:
1. You have more freedom. You MUST be aware of your surroundings.
2. Listen to your intuition. If a situation seems wrong, it probably is.
3. Carry identification and enough money to get home.
4. Make sure someone knows your schedule, where you will be and when.
5. If you find yourself attacked for any reason, fight back with everything you have. Don’t stop!
Read entire article by Cindy Hsu.
What do you think?
No Comments »
Posted by Scott on March 2nd, 2007 — Posted in Rape & Sexual Assault
Sexual assault and rape still plague our society. Use the following self-defense tips to protect yourself, and share these tips with your loved ones.
These are tips for women to avoid sexual assault and rape (womenshealth.org):
If you live alone, only use your first initial and your last name on your mailbox.
There is safety in numbers, travel in groups whenever possible.
Take a self-defense course for women and learn how to resist an assailant.
Keep in mind that any date can turn into a date rape.
Know the name of the men that you date, and be reserved on the first day. Perhaps offer to pay for yourself so that you don’t ‘owe’ anything.
If you’re going home with a man that you don’t know very well, make sure that someone else knows, and let the man know this as well.
If you begin to feel uncomfortable let him know right away that he’s gone too far. Look for a way to leave.
Never feel that you have to give in to sexual intercourse. If you feel pressure, leave.
Use drugs and alcohol with caution.
These are things to do in the situation (womenshealth.org):
Make a loud noise - Carry a whistle or scream “police” to attract attention
Stall - Speak calmly and rationally. Try not to plead, cry or show that you’re scared, this may be the reaction that he’s going for.
Urinate or vomit - Do anything you can to repulse the assailant. Tell him that you have a STD or AIDS.
Keep alert - Even though it will be difficult, try to pay attention to as many details as possible, so that you can identify your assailant.
Get help - Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Police are becoming more willing to help victims of rape. You are not obligated to press charges or go to court.
Collect evidence - Do not bathe, shower, or douche. If you change clothes, put the clothes you were raped in into a bag and seal it.
1 Comment »
Posted by Scott on March 1st, 2007 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
In a recent article, Cpl. Matthew Rockwell, of the Milton, Delaware Police gave self-defense tips. One caught my attention more than that others:
When it comes to self-defense, taser weapons are more reliable then pepperspray or handguns, which are difficult to handle in an emergency.
Statistically, when a woman points a firearm at a perpetrator, that firearm ends up being used against the victim.
Stunning weapons, pepper spray, and firearms are the three most common self-defense tools. Women can use the above tip to help them decide which to get and use.
I find additional advantages for a stun gun. First, a person can legally carry a stun gun in more places (as compared to a firearm). Second, a person can use a stun gun with less hesitation, because they do not have to fear killing anyone; thus they can safely take a shoot-first ask-later mentality.
What do you think?
2 Comments »
