Self-Defense Tactics for Women

While unpleasant to think about, potentially violent situations have become an unfortunate reality in today's society—particularly for women. Women are 10 times more likely than men to be assaulted. Three out of every four women in this country will be the victim of a robbery, rape, or other violent crime. In the majority of instances, the attackers are acquaintances, friends, husbands, or family members. Preparation may be your best defense. Learning simple tactics for how to avoid becoming the victim of a violent crime and how to defend yourself when approached by an attacker—whether a stranger or an acquaintance—can increase your chances of surviving an attack unscathed. It can also help bolster self-confidence and assertiveness, which helps women appear less vulnerable to potential attackers.

Common Sense Strategies for Avoiding Crime

Obviously, it is best to avoid becoming a victim of a crime in the first place, whenever possible. This does not have to mean placing great restrictions on what you do or where you go. But it does mean becoming more attuned to your surroundings, avoiding potentially dangerous situations, and using common sense strategies so that you do not come across as an easy target. For instance, if out alone at night, take a well-lighted route or one that has a lot of foot and car traffic.

Here are a few other strategies to help you avoid becoming the victim of a would-be crime:

• If you live alone, use your first and middle initial, instead of your first name, on your mailbox and in the phone book.
• Do not open the door to your home unless the visitor has positively identified him- or herself. If you cannot view who is outside, install a peephole on your front door.
• Avoid using automated teller machines that are outside, particularly after dark.
• Learn how to change a tire by yourself, if you drive. If you spend a lot of time on the road, consider buying a cellular phone.
• Do not allow a man you hardly know to take you home, especially at night.
• On the bus or train, sit near the driver or conductor.

Finally, learn to trust your instincts. Police experts say your gut reaction is usually right when it comes to predicting potentially violent situations. So, if you have a strange feeling about the man walking behind you, lose him by turning the corner or dropping into a store. Or if an acquaintance or date is intimidating you—acting too familiar, touching you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, or abusing you emotionally—discontinue the relationship as soon as possible.

Is Aggression the Answer to Violence?

Some women are hesitant to strike out at an attacker for fear that it will anger the assailant even more. But research suggests that, in many instances, fighting back and trying to run away from an attacker is usually a woman's best defense. While it may not be appropriate in every situation—such as when an attacker has a weapon—studies show that active resistance, such as kicking the assailant in the groin, poking him in the eyes, or running away, can reduce a woman's risk of sexual assault. Evidence also suggests that women who take the opposite approach—crying or pleading with the attacker—are more likely to get hurt. This type of vulnerable behavior sometimes increases an attacker's sense of power over a woman.

Several reports suggest that women who avoided acquaintance rape were likely to have acted defensively—for example, screaming, using verbal threats, or running away. Assertive behavior may also be effective against robbery and physical assault. Forty-six graduates of a self-defense program decided to fight back when mugged. The majority reported they were able to knock out their assailants and escape, and the rest weakened their attackers enough to avoid further harm.

A Few Strategies for Self-Defense

Experts point to several strategies that may be useful for women to use against an attacker—whether a stranger or someone they know. Many attackers are motivated, at least in part, by the need to over-power, control, and humiliate you. If you are forceful enough, the would-be attacker might decide to leave you alone, or you may buy enough time to run for safety.

To learn to how to properly use many of the following techniques, women might want to consider taking a course in self-defense. By practicing these tactics ahead of time, women can increase the chance of success in a real attack situation.

Here a few strategies you might use:

• Scream for help, or carry a whistle and blow it. This tactic will probably only be helpful if you are in an urban or crowded area.
• Strike out and aim for vulnerable areas. Jab a key, pen, pencil, or your fingers in the attacker's eyes or face.
• If attacked from behind, stomp hard on the assailant's instep with your heel, then jab your elbow into the attacker's solar plexus, or right beneath his ribcage.
• If the attacker grabs you, make him loosen his hold by grabbing or hitting him in the groin area. There are several methods for doing this. It's most successful when you grab or hit the testicles from underneath.
• Repeat loudly phrases like "let me go," and don't be afraid to use other assertive language.
• When about to be hit, tuck in your elbows and take the force of the blow on your arms, not your chest.
• If about to be slapped, roll away from the blow while tucking your head down and lifting up your shoulders.
• Try not to let an attacker force you into a car. The vast majority of women who are forced into a car are raped, seriously injured, or killed.
• Use your gut instinct if the assailant has a weapon, experts stress. If you can easily run to safety, there are a few tactics you might use. For instance, you might throw leaves, dirt, or rocks in the attacker's face or toss your purse or wallet at the attacker's knife hand as you run away. However, in the face of severe physical violence, a wiser strategy may be not to resist but to try to save your life.
• Avoid personal protection devices, such as stunguns or mace, unless you have received proper training, many police experts say.

What to Look for in a Self-Defense Course

Self-defense classes are focused on teaching women safety awareness and minimizing the possibility of assault. These classes usually consist of a set number of classes over several weeks or months. While many self-defense classes teach some of the philosophies or physical techniques of a particular martial art—such as judo, aikido, or karate—they generally have a different goal than martial arts classes. Most martial arts courses focus on the specific discipline of the martial art itself, which can take four to six years.

Besides offering protection against crime, learning to defend yourself can have other benefits, too, including increased self-confidence and greater feelings of security, control, and independence. Women who have taken self-defense classes commonly say they feel more physically confident, assertive, and empowered.

A good self-defense program often will include the following:

• Information on the realities and myths regarding sexual assault and violence against women.
• How to identify and avoid threatening and high-risk situations.
• Vocal techniques—yelling, screaming, and raising your voice assertively—along with physical self-defense techniques, such as kicks and strikes targeted at vulnerable parts of the body. A good class should also provide multiple opportunities to practice these drills. Women need hands-on practice to develop the necessary skills and to understand their physical limitations.
• Help in developing self-defense strategies for specific situations that occur in women's lives. For example, how to stay safe in parking garages or when walking at night alone.
• Information about resources for women who have been or may be abused or assaulted.