Know where the nearest populated environment is to your current location, in case you feel threatened and need to seek a crowd. Know where the nearest police or fire station is in areas you normally drive through. Don’t mistake familiarity for security. Even if you are in a parking lot you often drive through or stop in during the day, do not assume it is also a safe place at night.
If you must go somewhere alone, tell someone in your family or housemates where you are going and at what time. If you live alone, text a friend or family member letting them know where you will be and when to expect to hear from you next.
Don’t ask random people on the street for directions. Go inside a shop and ask a member of staff instead. Always park near a lit lamppost in car parks. This will keep your car illuminated at night and also will be easier to remember where you parked so you aren’t walking aimlessly around the area or looking for your car.
Always keep your doors locked while driving, especially in urban areas where there are lots of traffic lights and junctions. [6] X Research source
Say “no” if someone unknown asks for your help getting to/into their vehicle. Whether they are limping with a cane, carrying too many packages, or whatever the reason is, if it sounds fishy, decline to help. Avoid giving directions to unknown people in isolated areas. If they really need directions, they will drive to the nearest service station or call someone on their mobile phone.
Be wary of getting into a lift with a suspicious person. Wait for the next one and risk being considered rude. [8] X Research source If a car parked next to yours looks suspicious, like a panel van, go back inside and ask someone to escort you to your car. [9] X Research source Someone with a long story with lots of details describing how and why they need your help is likely making their story up. There is nothing wrong with saying, “No, sorry, I can’t help you. ”[10] X Research source
Always schedule dates (whether romantic or “friend-dates”) with new acquaintances in well-populated public areas.
Don’t rely on adrenaline to give you super speed. Engage in regular exercise so that you are physically strong enough to run quickly and far enough to get away. Wear reasonable shoes anytime you are walking around by yourself. Unless you wear your heels to the gym, you won’t be able to run far in them. Save fashionable footwear for nights out with a group of friends, or keep a pair of flats with you for walking.
Make sure the put your mobile phone on silent and hold so that it doesn’t vibrate.
This is better than yelling “help!” Sometimes people will avoid getting involved if they sense they may also get hurt or have to deal with police after an attack is reported. “Back off” sounds like you are capable of fighting back. Serial killers are typically methodical in making sure there is little risk of getting caught before approaching a potential victim.
This is better than yelling “help!” Sometimes people will avoid getting involved if they sense they may also get hurt or have to deal with police after an attack is reported. “Back off” sounds like you are capable of fighting back. Serial killers are typically methodical in making sure there is little risk of getting caught before approaching a potential victim.
Many users accidentally spray themselves when the canister gets lost in their bag or purse. Consider it like any other weapon you would need to learn to use correctly to avoid self-injury. [13] X Research source
Make sure to attend classes with a certified instructor to supervise you and make sure you will not injure yourself through inexperience. Check your local government and non-profit websites. Many cities offer self-defense classes for free or on a sliding scale based on income.
Use your elbows, hands, or head for attacking the upper body. Use your knees or feet to attack their lower body. Do not step in closer to use your arms or hands if you can use your legs or knees instead!
Use your fingers or thumbs to poke or gouge your attacker’s eyes. This will cause a lot of pain and disrupt their vision temporarily, giving you time to run away. Thrust your elbow into your side of your attacker’s neck, using your body weight. If you can’t use your elbow, hold your fingers straight, with your thumb tucked underneath, and hit the side of their neck like a knife strike as hard as you can. If your attacker attempts to grab you from the front by your arms or shoulders, knee or kick them in the groin. [16] X Research source Kick the side of your attacker’s knee to throw them off balance and cause injury.
If attacked, keys and writing utensils can be used to stab your attacker’s eyes or throat. Don’t falter and use full force if you really feel you are in danger. A half-hearted attempt to hurt someone will fail. Once you commit to an action, follow through with fullest intention.
If you cannot sit, lower your center of gravity and thrust your elbow backwards into their neck or head. [17] X Research source
