Many women in a self-defense class often sign up for the course because they’ve experienced a physical attack. However, they waited until an assault happened to them before considering a protect and defend course. Often, women who are victims recall their thoughts in the moments leading up to the attack as, “I had a bad feeling, but brushed it off” or, “I felt like staying home, but went anyway.” The feeling people get just before something bad happens is described as a pit in their stomach, also known as intuition. People may joke about “women’s intuition,” but women indeed have intuition; it is also true that people, regardless of sex, have intuition. When something doesn’t feel ‘right,’ it’s because it isn’t safe, according to your intuition. And that’s the bottom line. Women have been conditioned to ignore the small voice of doubt that senses trouble, but intuition can detect danger and ultimately save your life. Intuition is the most effective self-defense weapon you could have.

That voice of doubt is coming from a place of concern. Stop. Listen. Analyze your environment and practice personal defense tactics when needed.

Practice making yourself an inaccessible target. If you have the opportunity to escape from a self-defense situation before it becomes physical, do it! If the person approaching you worries you, cross the street and keep your distance. If the man in the elevator gives you goosebumps, wait for the next elevator. Don’t risk putting yourself in danger. You’re not a coward for listening to your intuition. You’re courageous.

Rape is an act of sexual intercourse perpetrated against another person without their consent.

• A boss can rape an employee
• An employee can rape a boss
• A teenager can be raped by a date
• A spouse can rape a spouse
• A student can rape a student
• A friend can rape a friend
• A man can rape a man 
• Rape can happen to anyone regardless of gender or age. Thus, whenever discussing the crime of rape, it is important to remember that women are not the only victims.

REPORTING A RAPE – Call 911 in an emergency. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-4673

Victims often feel they, rather than the rapist, are on trial. Fortunately, the last few years have brought about sensitization of the criminal justice system to the plight of the sexual assault victim. For example, recent legislation has blocked the admissibility of questions relating to the victim’s sex life because, as we know, a person’s sexual history does not invalidate a sexual assault charge.

Verbal skills are an effective form of self-defense. This tool you’ll use more frequently and too much greater success than any physical self-defense technique you learn in a self-defense class. When a predator engages in conversation with you, they’re interviewing you. The goal of the interview is to identify what boxes you check off the ‘potential victim’s list.’ They most likely won’t ask, “Do you know any self-defense tactics?” they aren’t that stupid, but they’ll ask questions about your physical activities. A serial attacker has practiced this interview and can say things to scare you or stun you to increase his odds. 

Aggressive verbal confrontations can be intimidating, but you will be strong and show the attacker that he’s picked the wrong victim today. Stand tall, remain calm and respond with confidence. Be assertive enough, and you’ll fail the interview. Your confidence alone will stir up feelings of doubt for them. That doubt can save you.

Most predators are confident the victim they choose will not defend themselves, or they could at least overpower the individual. Because they don’t expect you to fight, this allows you to execute your secret weapon, the element of surprise. If you step into a defensive stance, it will plant a seed of doubt within the attacker’s plans. They didn’t expect you to fight, and now you’ve assumed the position… they may even reconsider. This self-defense tactic is used when getting to safety or calling for help is not an option.

Every person has a comfort zone and personal safety space, including children. Yet, when a predator enters the space, you’ll feel uncomfortable. Why? Because your brain knows that in a moment of danger, you’ll need every inch of your personal safety space to protect yourself or perform a self-defense move. In a self-defense-induced adrenaline state, you need 0.25 seconds to react. We call this the reactionary gap.

Define Reactionary Gap: the distance between the extremities of your reach and the extremities of your opponent’s reach. The ‘reach’ includes any weapons involved. 

Maintain a one to two arm’s length from people you consider potential aggressors. When he starts closing in, start with the verbal boundaries self-defense tactic to create personal safety. If they continue to inch closer, it’s time to target veto and exit the situation or to practice self-defense. The goal of any self-defense situation is to create personal safety. That is your only priority in an attack.

The main effect of an adrenaline release is the loss of fine motor skills. The loss of motor functions will affect simple movements like unclenching your fists or pulling your hands out of your pockets. These actions can become self-defense challenges during an adrenaline rush. The odds of executing a quick high kick are not in your favor, especially for someone who does not often practice self-defense training. Because the effects of the adrenaline rush are strong, it’s important to stick to basic self-defense techniques. The following self-defense tools are recommended (again, speak with a professional for proper form and instructions): 

Throat strike. Strike with an open hand in an L or C shape using the area between your thumb and index finger. This enables you to attack from a non-confrontational stance. Use this self-defense tactic after setting verbal boundaries and before you assume a self-defense position.

Eye strike. In some cases, if the situation has already escalated and is in a close quarters environment, taking both thumbs and gouging into the attacker’s eyes can be effective. Gouge in hard and try a scooping motion for maximum damage.  

Groin strike. This technique is preferred to any standing kick and is simple to use. Drop to the ground, and wrap your legs and arms around one of the attacker’s legs like a pole as tight as possible. Then pull your head into the side of his thigh and strike upward into the groin. You can also bite the inside of the thigh from the same position.

In most cases, women fall to the ground after an unexpected blow. The groin strike and eye strike work well as self-defense moves while on the ground. If the opportunity to get up and leave has disappeared, stay on your back.

He will have to expose himself to your self-defense tools to physically contact you. An upward palm strike to the nose can work well for ground fighting self-defense tactics. When you see an opening, take it! 

The fight is over when the threat is gone. You are your own self-defense weapon. So it would be best if you found the courage and effort to defend yourself the entire time during battle—don’t pause. Don’t give the attacker an opening. 

International Defensive Training Systems is knowledgeable in tactics of self-defense, self-defense prevention, and self-defense for women. They are a source for a young woman to educate themselves on preventing dangerous situations. Visit the website to learn about the ineffectiveness of modern self-defense weapons such as self-defense keychains, self-defense keychain pepper spray, and self-defense tasers that anyone can purchase from Amazon. Check out the International Defensive Training Systems self-defense weapons product page to purchase their patented The Punisher Self-Defense Glove, bear keychain pepper spray, door stop alarm, or conceal carry purses. Self-defense weapons are sold to women worldwide, and although some are ineffective in an attack, others can save your life. Self-defense weapons are effective when used properly. Protect yourself and reach out to a self-defense weapons instructor for more information on how to defend and prevent becoming part of a world statistic. 

Define Self-defense: Self-defense is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being oneself from harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for using force in times of danger is available in many jurisdictions.