Self Defense Tips and Techniques

Use Your Natural Weapons

Fists. There is no place in realistic self-defense for the roundhouse punch to the jaw. This technique will not only break your fingers or wrist, your opponent can see it coming a mile away. Instead, use only the hammerfist. Strike as if you are stabbing with an ice pick. If you can use a ball point pen or tightly rolled up newspaper, magazine with your hammerfist strike, it will be even more effective. Don't waste time by attempting to hit the opponent in the jaw, torso or shoulders. Direct your attacks instead to more sensitive targets such as the nose, clavicle, neck, throat, groin or knees. (see more on target areas below)
Elbow. The elbow strike is most effective when delivered to the rear, which is where the attacker is likely to be when he grabs you. Aim for the floating (lower) ribs, groin or throat.
Knee. Knees to the opponent's groin can deliver a devastating blow or create a potentially disabling charley horse to his outer thigh.
Feet. A foot delivered into the groin will usually cause an assailant to reassess his priorities. Don't stop with just one kick. It's often difficult to make a direct hit with just the first attack. Several hard kicks may be necessary to subdue the opponent.
Buttocks. Although seldom thought of as a weapon, the buttocks can be rammed into an attacker's groin (especially if he grabs you from behind), stunning him long enough to allow you to seize the initiative or effect your escape.

Target Areas

Eyes. Using thumbs, keys, ball point pen etc.
Neck and Throat. Never try to choke your attacker. It will generally only anger him and cause him to become more violent. If you choose to attack the opponent's neck or throat, use a hammerfist or elbow strike.
Clavicle, Ribs and Knees. These are highly sensitive targets which are best targeted when your goal is to simply disable the assailant and make your escape.

Protect Yourself at The Mall

Avoid shopping alone. Try to shop with a friend or relative.
Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area. Put radar detectors and cellular telephones out of sight.
Know your surroundings. Keep an eye on the people in front of as well as behind you.
Carry your purse close to your body. (Wallets in pants pockets) Don't swing it loosely. Don't flash large amounts of cash.
Walk with confidence. Avoid talking to strangers.
Approach your vehicle with your keys already in your hand.
Try not to carry too many packages. Place all packages out of sight in your vehicle, preferably in the trunk.
Keep your vehicle doors locked and your windows shut.
If you see anything suspicious or if something just doesn't feel right, leave immediately and contact security or the police.
If you must leave a key with a parking attendant, leave only your vehicle's ignition key. Do not leave anything attached to it with your name and address or your house keys.
Don't park next to a van's sliding door.
Change from high heels to low flats or even sneakers when leaving work. They are better to run in.
At night, leave your office or building in the company of others. Don't leave alone after dark. If possible, have someone from your building security escort you, or call for police assistance.
Approach your vehicle with your keys already in your hand.
Look around your vehicle for any suspicious activity. If you see someone loitering around your vehicle, walk past until they leave.
Do a quick scan of your vehicle's interior before unlocking the door. Be sure to look in the back seat.
Keep your doors locked and your windows shut.
Be suspicious of anyone approaching your vehicle, whether passing out leaflets or asking for donations. Always leave the car windows up.

Protect Yourself While Walking at Night

Avoid walking or running alone at night. Instead go walking or jogging with a friend.
Don't use headphones while walking, driving or jogging.
Always walk in well-lighted areas.
Avoid the use of short cuts.
After dark, keep away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking.
Always stay near the curb.
If someone in a vehicle stops and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle.
Plan your route in advance, and vary your routes whenever possible.
If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If needed, turn around and walk in the opposite direction, your follower will also have to reverse directions.

How to Prevent a Carjacking

Consider investing in a cellular phone. You can call for help anytime you need it.
Keep doors locked and windows shut.
Don't stop to assist a disabled motorist. Instead contact a service station or police.
When stopped at a light, leave enough room between you and the car in front that you could make an escape.
Be suspicious of anyone approaching the car with fliers, asking for change or directions. Be ready to leave carefully, even if it means running a red light or stop sign.
While driving, if struck from behind or in any suspicious way, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and windows closed until the police arrive. Activate your vehicle's emergency flashers.
If you're very suspicious, get the other vehicle's license number and drive to the nearest police station or a well-lighted area with lots of people.
If you think you are being followed, drive immediately to an area with lots of lights and people. If possible, drive to the nearest law enforcement office.

How To Protect Yourself While Using An ATM

Try to avoid using by yourself. Either take someone with you or only use an when others are around.
If possible, avoid using after dark. If you must, choose one that is well lighted and does not have tall bushes nearby.
When you arrive look around. If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable or anyone who looks suspicious, do not stop. Either use an at a different location or come back later.
Have your access card and any other documents you need ready when you approach the machine. While you are fumbling with a wallet or purse, you are easy game for a thief.
Even while using the ATM, stay alert to your surroundings. Look up and around every few seconds while transacting your business.
Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not enter your PIN if anyone else can see the screen. Shield your PIN from onlookers by using your body.
When your transaction is finished, be sure you have your card and your receipt, then leave immediately. Avoid counting or otherwise displaying large amounts of cash.
As you leave, keep a look out. Be alert for anything or anyone who appears suspicious. If you think you are being followed, go to an area with a lot of people and call the police.

Safey When Using An Elevator

Before entering an elevator, look at the persons already in the car. If you are uneasy, wait for the next elevator.
If a suspicious person enters an elevator and you are uneasy, then get off right away.
Stand near the control buttons. If threatened or attacked, sound the alarm and push several floor buttons if possible.