What to Do If You Are Physically Attacked: Self-Defense Techniques Anyone Can Do

Nobody wants to be the victim of a crime. The unfortunate part is we don't have the final say in this. What is hopeful, though, is that according to experts there are many ways we can make ourselves stand out less as targets for attackers.

January is Personal Self-Defense Month. Are you prepared in case the unthinkable occurs? It is not the most cheerful topic to think about and is certainly not a fun discussion to have with children. But robberies, burglary, kidnapping, physical assault and battery, rape and murders are a reality. They may be more frequent in certain areas than others but that doesn't make anyone wise to rule out the possibility of getting attacked.

This is not to say you have to stop leaving your house or put a leash on your kids. It is instead to suggest you educate yourself and your children about personal self defense strategies so that just in case you are the victim of an attack you will already have a plan in place and the ability to make more informed split second decisions. That way you don't have to waste time figuring out what to do on the spot.

There are certain mannerisms and behaviors that both men and women can exhibit that make them more vulnerable to crimes. There are also some that statistically help individuals remain less likely to be attacked. Below are some everyday self defense guidelines to follow in order to maintain a higher chance of personal safety if you are the victim of an attack.

1) Don't be afraid to scream.
In fact, you should not hesitate to make as much noise as possible. The idea is to draw attention to the crime. Regardless of where you are attacked, causing a ruckus increases the likelihood that someone will hear you and call the police. KidsHealth.com recommends yelling out "command" type words that might let others who happen to hear you know that something is wrong. Examples include: "No!", "Get Away!", "Back Off!" and "Help!". It may even be a good idea to yell directly for the "Police!" or scream out "Rape!".

2) Throw your belongings away from you.
Chances are likely that if attacked on the street, the perpetrator is interested in money or valuables. If you have a purse and are able to do so, throw it as far as you can. Hopefully the attacker will leave you alone and run after the purse. Some experts also recommend carrying small change in an accessible front pocket at all times so that in case you are attacked you can give it to the attacker right away and then try to escape.

3) Run, Run and Run.
If you have any opportunity to run away, take it and go. Do not risk your life over money or valuables. Get out of there as fast as possible and head somewhere that is likely to have other people around.

4) Fight back after assessing the situation.
There are conflicting opinions over whether or not it is wise to try and fight back if physically attacked. Some advise to fight at all costs, unless it seems less dangerous to cooperate. Other experts argue that fighting back can make the perpetrator more angry and aggressive as well as backfire on you. A compromise between the beliefs is to fight back when possible but try and avoid direct physical contact while doing so. In other words, throw something to slow down the attacker but avoid kicking or punching unless they already have you in their grasp.

Remember that the attacker has already likely considered that you may fight back and might anticipate common reactionary responses. Unless you are an advanced martial artist experienced in defensive fighting, the traditional kick move or punch allows the attacker to grab you and pull you down.

5) Keep your cool.
Don't appear angry or do things that will threaten the attacker and send them into a greater rage. At the same time, don't appear frazzled or weak either. Hold your head up high and look the attacker in the eyes, showing you are not the ideal candidate to attack. If it seems fit, consider reasoning with them, try to talk them down or somehow distract them. For example you might say, "My money is in the other room" or "Oh darn, I am late for a meeting" and then promptly walk away. This self defense technique is probably more appropriate for crimes like date rape or domestic violence where the attacker is someone you know.

These self defense tactics are sometimes referred to as de-escalating strategies. The idea is to use your smarts and attempt to de-aggravate the aggression of your attacker so that you can make a smoother escape.

6) Report the crime immediately to the police.
Once you have gotten away from the attacker, report the incident to the police. Consider writing the information down while you are waiting for them. It is also a good idea to avoid talking about the incident with anyone until you have given your report to the police. The reason for this is that the more times you tell your story the fuzzier your memory might get and details may become less clear. Writing quick notes about everything you remember immediately after the physical attack makes it more likely you will remember clearly and correctly.

7) Get Medical Attention.
Immediately following the physical attack, have a doctor look at you in the local hospital Emergency Room. This is not only important for your health and safety but may also help with properly charging the individual who attacked you with a crime. You should also have the police take photographs and/or take some of your own.

Again, the thought of being physically attacked is terrifying and nobody wants to think too much about it much less scare our innocent children. But knowing what to do for your personal safety and self defense in case something like this should happen is statistically the smartest way to address the issue. Being prepared and having a self defense plan in tact could end up serving as your most powerful weapon.

http://www.mamashealth.com/abuse/attackhelp.asp

http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/self_defense.html