The Federal Bureau of Investigations U.S Uniform Crime Report indicated that in 2012 a violent crime occurred every 26 seconds. One murder occurred every 35.4 minutes, forcible rape every 6.2 minutes, one robbery every 1.5 minutes, and an aggravated assault every 41.5 seconds.
In 2012, Alaska had the highest forcible rape rate per 100,000 inhabitants, which was 79. That is extremely high, compared to California, which has the largest population. The Golden State's forcible rape rate per 100,000 inhabitants was 20.6 in 2012.
The risk of an assault on women may not be very likely, but many women are very aware of that possibility and it's scary. The media emphasizes on stranger attacks, but in reality more women than men know their offenders, so it's unlikely you will be cornered in a street and be a victim of a violent crime.
One question I am asked often is how can I defend myself from a perpetrator. First, I highly recommend taking self-defense classes because not only will you learn valuable skills to protect yourself, but you will also build confidence. You need to believe in yourself and believe that you can protect yourself.
I would love to show you the many techniques I have learned, but I am going to start with some easy basics that I think everyone should know when on the streets. Your first priority should be to get away as quickly and as safely as possible.
Today's lesson is a list of a few basics:
1. Be alert of your surroundings. I don't know how many times I have seen men and women walking around parking lots, streets, and in isolated areas looking down at the smart phones or listening to music through their headphones. When offenders see your phone and know your distracted, you make it easy for them to run and grab your phone.
2. Instinct. Women have an amazing instinct. Follow your gut if you feel something is not right. I have heard stories from women who felt something was not right about the way someone was looking at them, but thought they were being paranoid. Don't doubt yourself. Always be alert and ready.
3. Be loud. If someone attacks you, yell as loud as you can, keep screaming and yelling, this can scare the offender away and/or bring attention to you.
4. Keep both hands up and prepared if possible. If you are using a smart phone device continuously look up and keep both hands on the smart phone. If someone approaches you are ready in a defensive position. You are ready to block or attack.
5. Take out their eyes. As quickly as possibly aim for the offenders eyes. Instinctly and reflexively most people will cover their eyes if someone is trying to poke or gouge them. Don't be afraid and don't be grossed out doing so. This is your life and you need to defend it.
6. Palm fist. Your palm is very strong and can be used a weapon. Close your fist and quickly and strongly push up to use your palm to strike your opponent in the nose.
7. Clap. When an offenders uses both hands to grab your arms, neck or collar the first instinct for someone is to jerk away, but that only makes the offender's grasp stronger.
While his hands are holding you tight, very quickly and strongly clap both your hands together like your praying and push up. The sound of the clap will startle him, and that force will break the hold.
8. If step three doesn't release the front hold, kick the offender in the groin. I actually recommend doing this as soon as possible, you can combine steps 3 and 4. I know it sounds cliche, but when given the opportunity kicking a man in the groin is the quickest way to injure him. Women have amazing lower body strength, use it to your benefit by kicking the offenders chins and groin area.
Stay tuned for future guides on how to defend yourself.
Sources
Crime in the U.S 2012 - Offenses - http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/offenses-known-to-law-enforcement/national-data
Crime in the U.S 2012 - State Totals: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/offenses-known-to-law-enforcement/state-totals
Excellent piece and the breakdown step-by-step was full of details that made me envision everything that was going on while at the same time thinking of what would happen if I followed these steps. The best part of the whole story though was the introduction and the use of numbers throughout the first couple paragraphs was an excellent way of pulling me into the story and placing me in the minds of vulnerable women.
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