Although our crime rates are the lowest they’ve been in over 50 years, it’s still important for women to know how to defend themselves if necessary.
Although an official class can teach you more advanced self-defense moves, if that’s not a possibility, there are some simple self-defense tips that you can use to take control of your safety. Read on to learn more.
1. Self-Defense Tips for Women: Look in Your Purse
Your purse is full of potential weapons, such as your keys, sunscreen or hand sanitizer, hairspray, pens or pencils, and even your bag itself. Keys, pens, and pencils can be used to poke an offender in the eye.
Hairspray, hand sanitizer, or sunscreen can be sprayed or squirted into an offenders eyes and if your bag is big enough and heavy enough, you can use that as a weapon itself.
2. Make Noise
If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, make noise. Carry something with you like a personal alarm, set off your car alarm, or if it comes down to it, scream. Loud noises draw attention and can scare off would-be attackers.
3. Carry Defensive Gear
There are a variety of different defensive gear items you can carry in a purse or work bag, such as personal safety alarms, flashlights, pepper spray, or even a weapon.
Check your state’s laws about concealed carry and if necessary, take a class to carry a weapon. Be sure you know how to use it and care for it. Make sure you use a gun cleaning solvent to keep it in good working order. You don’t want to be in a situation where you need it but you haven’t cared for it properly, rendering it useless.
4. Stay Alert and Aware
Pay attention to your surroundings. When you’re walking alone, take out the earbuds and put your phone away. When you can’t hear what’s going on around you or are focused on other things, like your phone, you are a prime target for potential assailants.
5. Target the Thumbs
If you are being choked, try to get a hold of the offender’s thumbs. Thumbs are what give them a strong grip, so if you can use your own hands and thumbs to get their hands off of your neck. If you can, kick them as you rip their hands off of you. This will help you break free.
6. Use Your Elbow
Your elbow is the strongest part of your body, so don’t be afraid to use if you’re close enough. An elbow to the gut, eye, or groin can render your attacker immobile, or at least caught off guard, long enough for you go get out of there.
7. Install a Safety App on Your Phone
Although putting your phone away is a good way to stay alert, if it’s easily accessible, you can use a personal safety app to activate a flashlight, alarm, camera, or even a microphone. These apps can also transmit your location to certain contacts that you specify.
Take Control of Your Safety
Don’t let fear impact your daily activities. Instead, use these self-defense tips to prepare yourself to fight off potential attackers. Be aware and alert, but don’t let fear take over your life.
If you found these tips useful, explore some of our other safety and wellness posts.