How to Protect Yourself from an Attacker

It can happen in an instant. It was 5:30 p.m. and another day at work had come and gone. As the daylight turned to dusk, I walked alone, preoccupied with my thoughts, down the stairs to the basement of the parking garage. As I walked toward my car, the sound of my steps echoing through the garage, he came out of nowehere. Suddenly, he was behind me, his arm reaching around my shoulders, stopping me cold. His voice, deep and calm, said "Give me your purse."

I was frozen with fear. I dropped my purse. "Take it," I said, my voice trembling. He grabbed the bag and, as quickly as he had appeared, ran out of sight.

I was lucky that day. It could have been much worse. But after it happened I was left feeling afraid and powerless. What if it happened again?

While no self-defense technique can replace simple common sense, there are are several tools women can use to help protect themselves.

1) Pepper Spray

Pepper spray may be the easiest and most effective tool women can use in an attack. When sprayed directly at the offender's eyes, mouth and nose, pepper spray produces an extreme burning reaction and psychological effects such as intense panick and a diminished will to fight.

Women should note however that pepper spray does not have the same effect on everyone. Just as some people have more tolerance for hot, spicy foods, some are more resilient when it comes to being sprayed with pepper spray. It can also take anywhere from 20 seconds to a minute for the spray to take effect, meaning the offender is still able to grab, hit, stab or shoot. Pepper spray also may have little effect on the insane, addicts, intoxicated or hysterical persons.

In order for pepper spray to be effective, women must carry it in their hand anytime they feel they are at risk. If an attacker has surprised you from behind, you will not have time to go digging through your purse. One idea is to attach the pepper spray to your keychain.

2) Personal Alarm

It is possible that an attacker may cover your mouth, preventing your ability to scream. In this case, a personal alarm can come to your rescue. A personal alarm sends out a screeching alarm sound that is easily recognized as a call for help. Such an alarm not only will notify others around to get help, but can also force the assailant to abort the assault. Alarms come in tiny compact sizes that can also be attached to keychains.

3) Kubotons

The Kuboton is designed to be used against bony surfaces, soft tissue and nerve points. It is effective because of the temporary paralysis or extreme pain it causes. Even for those without experience in a martial art, the Kubotan provides an inexpensive and easily learned method of self defense.

The Kubotan increases the power of any strike. It is not necessary to waste time or miss an opportunity by trying to be overly precise. It's better to react naturally. Good targets are the groin, stomach, solar plexis, throat, the arm, the shin, hip bone, collarbone, ankle, and kneecap. A sharp strike to a bony part of the body will encourage an assailant to stop his attack. A harder, well placed blow can easily break bones--especially if the force of the blow is not hindered by clothing. They are made from aluminum and come in a variety of colors and styles.

If you are being attacked, your first priority should be in trying to escape. The attacker, who is already edgy and pumped up on adrenaline, may become even more angry and violent when you fight back.

The National Crime Prevention Council offers the following suggestions to reduce your risk of being attacked:

1) Understand your surroundings - does it look safe?

2) Avoid shortcuts that take you through isolated areas.

3) Travel in groups.

4) Be sure your body language shows a sense of confidence.

5) When driving or using public transportation, remain aware of traffic and other people around you. Attackers are looking for vulnerable targets.

6) Carry a cell phone.

7) Take a self defense class.

8) Be willing tor eport crimes and/or suspicious activities.

Every woman hopes that she will never have to face such a terrifying situation, but by taking a few proactive steps, women can greatly improve their chances of escaping unharmed.