The #MeToo movement had brought to light millions of unspoken cases of sexual harassment and assault. Even on the safest parts of the planet, women are scared to walk alone at night. This fear of being attacked and overpowered is a constant worry. And no woman, or human being for that matter, should have to live that way.
As women are physically smaller than men, they’re often branded the weaker sex. The only way to combat this issue is by learning how to defend yourself under any circumstances. By learning a few self-defence techniques, you can ensure your own safety. Here are eight self-defence moves you can use to defend yourself:
Defence 101: Target the Weak Areas
Women often worry about how they’ll fight back against perpetrators who are physically stronger than them. But all humans have weaknesses. Exploiting that weakness is necessary to defend yourself.
Here are four vulnerable areas to target:
The Eyes
An attack on the eyes will have an immediate impact. If you’re carrying a pen or a key, use it to target your attacker’s eyes. If you don’t have anything on you, stick your fingers into the attacker’s eyes.
The Nose
Hitting the nose hard can give anyone a nosebleed. This painful distraction might be just what you need to run to safety. If the attacker strikes from behind, strike their nose with your elbow or arm.
If the attacker comes at you from the front, swing your arms backward and punch them hard on the nose with your fist. Remember to hit from below for maximum impact.
The Throat
Trying to choke the assaulter can be ineffective, particularly if you have weak hands. Instead, try hitting the vulnerable middle section of the throat with your elbow or the heel of your palm. The pain of the impact will make your attacker stagger backward, giving you space and time to run.
The Groin
A good kick to the groin will definitely stun your attacker. Try this approach particularly when they are coming at you from the front. In a steady position, lift your leg up to your waist, move your upper body slightly away and strike as hard as you can.
Defending Yourself From a Strike
If you’re vigilant, chances are you will be aware of the attack before it happens. Blocking the attack is very important.
Use your forearms to block an attack and immediately move to launch a similar strike on the attacker. If they try to grab and pull your arm forcefully, use their own strength against them and hit them with the compromised arm.
Protect your head and face, so that they can’t disorient you. They will try to force you into submission, so avoiding blows is just as important as striking them yourself.
Using Your Hands to Attack
Two effective ways to defend yourself is to use either your fist or the heel of your palm.
The heel palm approach is an effective method of attack. Stick out the heel of your palm by flexing your wrist. Bend your arm and draw it back so you can strike forward with as much force as you can muster.
Use this to attack to target the nose and make sure you always hit from below. This attack can potentially break the attacker’s nose. You can also use the heel of the palm to attack the throat as we mentioned above.
Use your fist to punch the nose, eyes, mouth, or jaw. When hitting the mouth or jaw, remember to attack from the side.
What to Do if Your Arms Are Trapped
If the perpetrator grabs your wrists or arms tightly from the front, don’t panic. Remember that they have one or both hands occupied and won’t be able to protect themselves from an attack to the groin.
Kick the groin as hard as you can. The attacker will become disoriented and either let go of your wrist or loosen their grasp. Use the moment to free your hand.
If the attacker grabs hold of your arms from the front, the first thing to do is to avoid a headlock. Don’t let their hands move any higher. Move your hips to the side and hit the groin hard with your hand. Use the distraction to move away or go in for a kick.
Defence Against “Bear Hugs”
If you’re taken into a “bear hug” from behind, instead of engaging your arms, try and go low. Aim to wriggle yourself out of the position and as you lower yourself, aim for the groin with your hand. Strike hard enough to disorient your assailant.
Don’t move too low before striking. If there’s a risk of a chokehold, shift your hips to the side and strike. Use the distraction to swing out of the arms and try a kick to the groin or an elbow to the jaw.
Be Aware & Confident
There’s a reason why sexual predators are called predators. Like animals, they aim for the weakest target. Walk in a confident, intimidating stance to avoid being targeted.
If they try to engage you in conversation, be loud and intimidating. Loudness is important as it might draw the attention of other people nearby.
Be constantly vigilant, particularly if you’re alone or feeling uncomfortable. Remember, we all have built-in defence mechanisms. Fear is actually your brain’s way of telling you to protect yourself.
If you feel like someone is giving off a bad vibe or you’re being followed, move away from them. Don’t write off your fear as irrational. Fear is nothing to be ashamed of.
Act Quick & Act Smart
Most perpetrators will underestimate your capability of defending yourself. If they’re already trying to engage you in conversation, don’t immediately reveal that you pack a punch. Keep a safe distance and consider your options for escape.
If the predator goes in for a strike, hit them hard in one of the weak spots. While the offender is distracted, make a quick escape.
Also, try not to invite trouble. Avoid places that might be unsafe and observe different people’s behavior at all times.
Carry Defence Tools
It doesn’t hurt to be extra careful. There are a few defence tools available on the market. Whichever you opt for, make sure to learn how to use them.
Here are a few must-haves:
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray can be used to attack the eyes. Try to keep it in your hand or within reach when you feel unsafe. Aim directly for the face, particularly the eyes. The burn from the spray will disorient your attacker.
Personal Safety Alarm
Personal safety alarms make a loud noise that attracts attention. Some alarms even have built-in lights. These devices are becoming increasingly popular and you can also use it to stay safe.
By learning these self-defence moves, you can take charge of your own safety. Remember that the best way to defend yourself is to avoid such situations in the first place. Act smart and don’t put yourself in any unnecessary danger. Stay fit enough so that you can run fast and practice these moves so that you’re always prepared. Believe in your own power and know that no matter how large or strong the attacker seems, you have the capability to protect yourself.
Stay safe out there!
