Ignorance is not bliss.
Sep. 21st, 2008 02:17 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
olde_fashionedBecause we live in a sick and twisted world, and some of this will most likely come in handy at some point in our lives. My brother posted this on his blog, and I'm sharing it here because it never hurts to be reminded of what to do if such an unfortunate event should occur.
I hope that none of you ever have to employ any of these tactics, but better safe than sorry!
-----------------
Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life.
Crucial because of recent abductions. In daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...
This is for you, And for you to share with everyone you know. After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about.
It never hurts to be careful In this crazy world we live in.
1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :
The elbow is the strongest point on your body.
If you are close enough to use it, DO!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.
Toss it away from you...
Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.
THEN RUN LIKE MAD IN ANY OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.
This has saved lives.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.
(DON'T DO THIS!)
The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head
DO NOT DRIVE OFF.
Repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF!
Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your air bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat, they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes, bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting Into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware:
Look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, in the back seat AND under the car.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car Parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you should walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.
(And better paranoid than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone And the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic.
STOP.
It may get you raped, or killed.
Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS playe on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her, "Whatever you do, DO NOT Open the door." The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
10. Water scam!
If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.
Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors!
------------------
One thing that my mom taught me, that I would add to this list, is to carry your car or housekeys as a weapon while you're walking. Place a key between each finger and make a fist, so that it is "spiked" with keys, and if attacked this will make a punch much more painful than a bare woman's hand.
I hope that none of you ever have to employ any of these tactics, but better safe than sorry!
-----------------
Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life.
Crucial because of recent abductions. In daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...
This is for you, And for you to share with everyone you know. After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about.
It never hurts to be careful In this crazy world we live in.
1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :
The elbow is the strongest point on your body.
If you are close enough to use it, DO!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.
Toss it away from you...
Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.
THEN RUN LIKE MAD IN ANY OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.
This has saved lives.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.
(DON'T DO THIS!)
The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head
DO NOT DRIVE OFF.
Repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF!
Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your air bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat, they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes, bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting Into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware:
Look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, in the back seat AND under the car.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car Parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you should walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.
(And better paranoid than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone And the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic.
STOP.
It may get you raped, or killed.
Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS playe on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her, "Whatever you do, DO NOT Open the door." The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
10. Water scam!
If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.
Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors!
------------------
One thing that my mom taught me, that I would add to this list, is to carry your car or housekeys as a weapon while you're walking. Place a key between each finger and make a fist, so that it is "spiked" with keys, and if attacked this will make a punch much more painful than a bare woman's hand.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-09-21 10:08 pm (UTC)Also, if you're walking alongside the road and a driver pulls up with a gun and demands you get into the car, DON'T... Turn around the other direction from which the car is and run. The car can't turn around fast enough, more than likely, before you can get help.
If you are visiting a foreign country and some one comes along and demands to see your passport, never give it to them unless you can very, very clearly see and identify their official badge. (Many people will flip something out to you so quickly you can't see it.) As far as I know in this situation, these people are preying on those who do not know better and the moment you say you're going to go get help/scream loudly for help, they'll back off on you.
I'm pretty sure I've warded off possible threats by just being stupid and naive. If you look young and get propositioned, declaring yourself to be 16/17 or just simply don't seem to understand what's going on, it tends to turn people off. This, of course, is a tactic for less serious threats, but it is very effective. =) The damsel in distress/young/naive/stupid damsel thing is wonderful for both not being targeted and also having *good* people immediately clue in on your whereabouts, whether they realize it or not. Also, having younger siblings/friends' children around is fantastic in these situations. Never be alone doesn't necessarily mean a protective man!
And, of course, DRESS RIGHT. Again, very often a person is treated how they are dressed. A little observation proves this true. Sometimes I get more upset with the girls who complain about being targets when they are practically begging to be so by their clothes, even if it may be trendy clothes. Seriously, this doesn't attract just your love interest or fashion reputation.
If you ever DO end up in a situation where you can NOT get out (bound, blindfolded, already in the car without control, etc. etc.), not fighting/yelling/screaming and being "Yes, sir, No, sir." may incline a possible killer to let you free after the fact. It'll certainly lessen your chances of being killed early on. =) This one taken from a true account of some crime catchers show.
DO look up other tactics. There's lots of help out there on the 'Net. ^_^
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:24 pm (UTC)Amen!! I think this is one of the best things you said. ;-)
not fighting/yelling/screaming and being "Yes, sir, No, sir." may incline a possible killer to let you free after the fact. It'll certainly lessen your chances of being killed early on.
I respectfully submit that this is a very bad idea. The don't want you to scream, kick, and fight, because they want to take you and have their evil way with you. Yes, you might lessen your chances of being killed instantly, but you'll only end up dumped in a ditch a thousand miles from nowhere and your family will never know what happened to you. Better to fight, which is what they don't want, because it is in your best interests. If you put up a good fight, chances are he'll seek an easier target.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-21 11:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-21 11:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-21 11:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:26 pm (UTC)Exactly!! And if they've got a hold of you, scratch their eyes out. ;-P
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 12:37 am (UTC)One book I read emphasized to trust your instincts and gut reaction. If you feel that something isn't right, LISTEN. It's usually something that your mind is picking up, but isn't registering fully.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 12:42 am (UTC)I use the key thing all the time. For the last year, I've been thinking about getting a permit to carry pepper spray...I'm trying to decide if it would be wise with so many little kids in the house...
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 01:22 am (UTC)I disagree. This is another extremely risky tactic, but doing everything that they don't want you to do may help, just because they don't want you to do it. If they tell you not to scream, it's because screaming may thwart their objective (rape, abduction, eventual murder, etc.), or whatever else they may be telling you.
Oh yeah, and scream. Scream and fight back. Even when they tell you not to. Scream bloody murder.
There we go!
For the last year, I've been thinking about getting a permit to carry pepper spray...I'm trying to decide if it would be wise with so many little kids in the house...
I would most highly recommend this! Where do you live? You might not need a permit to carry pepper spray. It's a hard thing to find out, and you can often never trust your local police department.
I'd also recommend a handgun (A knife could work, but it does require a little more combative skills than a gun. Jim Wagner had a DVD series on such topics as knife fighting and women's defense), but I often love the idea of a lady carrying pepper spray because (Now, no offense, ladies!) it often seems to me that it's better for them to carry a non-lethal weapon, as so many women seem to have difficulty with the idea of killing an attacker. Pepper spray can be amazingly effective and it doesn't kill or even permanently harm the attacker. I don't have any yet myself (am still working through legal muddle) but I'd recommend this kind.
http://spitfirepepperspray.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
It's not a solid so it can't be thrown back onto you, it has a good cone-shaped spray that you can hit almost anything with and it doesn't need to be outstretched (you can shoot it from your hip). If you're worried about children, these also have safeties on them, and come with keychain quick-detachers for a possible out-of-nowhere encounter (which is usually what can happen). Also sold is a harmless practice cartridge for the sprayer that you can use to practice with as much as you like.
And best of all? They're cheap.
Spencer
P.S. Legal disclaimer: I'm no expert. ;-)
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 12:34 pm (UTC)naiveness/screaming/running = fantastic with the unexperienced
When there's an experienced serial killer in the neighborhood? I'd rather bet that the other girls struggled like mad and that being that different may get him to release me. But, then, that again would depend on the situation.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 10:12 pm (UTC)I've done some research on it and yes, you do need a permit to carry pepper spray where I live. It's fairly easy to pick up a permit application - right from the police station - and I have actually gone through the process of filling out one, only to wonder if it would be wise with three siblings under the age of six. There was also the small problem with my dad being not too keen on it - safety hazard with small children - and since I'm living at home, I respect my parents' desires.
Which means that I won't be getting a handgun any time soon. I don't think I would be afraid of shooting an assailant, particularly if the situation were to involve my siblings or other people (mother bear instinct in this big sis!), but my parents would never want me to have a gun in the house with so many small children. Safety or lockboxes or whatever in spite of.
So...I will bring it up to my parents again. I do travel by myself fairly often, even if it is just my brief commute to work, and since our area has a horribly high rate of registered sex offenders, it would make me feel more confident. That and taking Tae Kwon Doe; if I know how to defend myself and am practiced in it, I think that will be for the better. We're working our way to perhaps taking lessons, so we'll see. ;-)
no subject
Date: 2008-09-23 01:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:32 pm (UTC)You're right, I do disagree with this. ;-P Just because one is wearing a skirt doesn't mean there has to be nothing on underneath. Spanx, for example, I would imagine to be difficult to get off, possibly even more so than pants. ;-P And women have been raped wearing pants. If not wearing dresses/skirts was the "magic key" to not getting raped, they'd be teaching it to women everywhere. I think it's a false sense of security. We're at risk no matter what we wear.
I'm trying to decide if it would be wise with so many little kids in the house...
Can't you get a lockbox or a really high shelf?
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 10:02 pm (UTC)The problem is, if I put pepper spray on a high shelf or in a lockbox, I will likely forget to take it with me when I go out - since it is every day and I'm generally in a hurry when I go out the door. I have thought about leaving it in my car when I am home, but there's also the problem of chauffering siblings and people borrowing my car. :-/ I'm still trying to decide. You do need a permit to carry it, at least in my state, so I would have to go through that step to begin with. I'll have to pick up a form at the police station to see what it will entail.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:28 pm (UTC)LOL, amen!!!
One book I read emphasized to trust your instincts and gut reaction. If you feel that something isn't right, LISTEN. It's usually something that your mind is picking up, but isn't registering fully.
I like that, it's interesting!! Thanks. :-)
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 01:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 02:43 am (UTC)Oh! Another tip I read: Remember that anything you wear can be used as a weapon, even if means pulling off your belt and hitting someone with it. Or jabbing them in the face with your sunglasses.
P.S.
Drat it all, I thought I had come up with the "keys between fingers" idea on my own ;-) !
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:37 pm (UTC)Good one! Only I hardly ever wear belts, and my sunglasses are too flimsy, because they're those magnetic ones that clip onto my frames. ;-P
P.S. LOL!! Haha, well, kudos to you for thinking of it!! ;-D
no subject
Date: 2008-09-23 04:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-24 08:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 12:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:38 pm (UTC)You're welcome! :-)
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 04:45 pm (UTC)Firearms are only useful if you are confident in their use. You must be past the stage at which you are a danger to yourself in order to use them effectively in your own defense.
The confidence thing is true of pretty much all self-defense techniques. Starting out, you don't really know enough to be effective. Then you go through a stage where you're probably as dangerous to yourself as you are to others, if not moreso. Once you work past that, then you're probably at least somewhat of a force to be reckoned with. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:42 pm (UTC)I'd be more than happy to blow the brains out of any scumbag who wanted to hurt me, or possibly even kill me. If it comes down to me, or him? It's gonna be him.
...a force to be reckoned with.
I'm not so sure it's being "a force to be reckoned with" so much as not being an easy target. Predators naturally go for the weak and easy, and fighting back and/or being difficult is going to help tremendously, even if you're just kicking and screaming, IMVHO. :-)
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 06:23 pm (UTC)♥
no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 08:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 10:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-22 10:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-23 04:18 am (UTC)naiveness/screaming/running = fantastic with the unexperienced
When there's an experienced serial killer in the neighborhood? I'd rather bet that the other girls struggled like mad and that being that different may get him to release me. But, then, that again would depend on the situation.
I apologize, but I'm going to have to ask you to explain this a different way. Naiveness? Serial killers? "I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what are you talking?"
So...I will bring it up to my parents again. I do travel by myself fairly often, even if it is just my brief commute to work, and since our area has a horribly high rate of registered sex offenders, it would make me feel more confident. That and taking Tae Kwon Doe; if I know how to defend myself and am practiced in it, I think that will be for the better. We're working our way to perhaps taking lessons, so we'll see. ;-)
Definitely, please do that. I recommend at the very least some pepper spray, and training and/or firearm. Hey, why not all three?
How old are the children? You can dissassemble the firearm and lock it away; I doubt you would like the idea of carrying it ON your person 24/7? This may require a CCW permit, depending on if you want to carry it concealed or openly.
Along the lines of pepper spray, my aunt carries with her this tazer-type thing. I'm not exactly sure what it's called. I've seen it and it has a nasty looking stream of electricity on it. Would be a very unpleasant shock.
I like tasers well enough, and they're a whole lot better than nothing, but I actually think pepper spray is a better move. There are two kinds of tasers; the kind that you have to actually touch to the assailant, and the kind that fires two prongs attached to wires that stick in the assailant, which is how the shock is delivered. The first requires you to get close; they both require you to stick around and shock the assailant. Pepper spray is shoot-and-run. You SHOULD run because that's the point, and you HAVE to run or else the spray may waft back at you. I suppose it's not a bad backup to pepper spray, but still, I prefer pepper spray.
The problem is, if I put pepper spray on a high shelf or in a lockbox, I will likely forget to take it with me when I go out - since it is every day and I'm generally in a hurry when I go out the door. I have thought about leaving it in my car when I am home, but there's also the problem of chauffering siblings and people borrowing my car. :-/ I'm still trying to decide.
Write a little note and keep it with your keys, purse, or whatever else you always take with you when you go out. Then you'll remember to get it. In time, it will become a habit and you will no longer need the note. You'll feel it when you don't have it. I was recently out of state for a few days and I felt naked without my knife on me (I had to leave it at home to pass through airport security). Work on it, and you'll remember. Or as a last resort, you could just carry it with you at all times?
Spencer
no subject
Date: 2008-09-23 04:24 am (UTC)P.S.
Drat it all, I thought I had come up with the "keys between fingers" idea on my own ;-) !
Very good! Remember, just about ANYTHING can be used as a weapon. Try a little experiment that I've done numerous times; wherever you are, no matter where, take a look around and see what surrounds you. Anything you are carrying? Keys? Lash at him. A pen? Stab. How about your surroundings? Are you in a park, near sand? Toss it in his eyes. Find a rock? Lob it at his head. Don't have a weapon? Claw at his eyes, strike for the groin (I can attest to the pain of something like that, as probably every other male can). Bite, kick. Anything. You don't have to be a Bruce Lee-class martial artist; just be a tough cookie, so tough he'll want to retreat. Remember, they're looking for the easiest target. If all the security measures you've implemented have failed up to this point (whatever the may be), it's time for physical ones. (I do think the belt would take too long though.)
On the other hand, I've heard that some people don't consider keys between the fingers as a "good" weapon because you have to be at such close range to use them.
As to keys, although you do have to "get close" to use keys, the very nature of assaults on women means that close contact will often occur; it's preferable to be able to assess the threat before he gets within striking distance--and I should reiterate that I think it's important to keep a healthy distance between anyone you don't know, especially men--but this may not always happen. Keys are accessible, require no permit and will never cause you "legal" trouble, and they won't be as troublesome to woman interested in sheer practicality as a stun gun. You can keep them in your hand as you walk to your car/house. It's easy. Not flawless, not perfect, but a good start.
Another suggestion I forgot to mention earlier. In regards to being attacked while going to/getting into your vehicle: if you have a panic button on your car keys, USE IT. If someone is threatening you, hit the button, set the alarm off. It will attract attention, which any attacker will not want, and very probably give you a chance to either run away or frighten him off.
Not a bad idea; it might work. The only thing is, thinking of where I live at least, car alarms? The NORM. Teenage girls like to scream for fun it seems around here; an extremely unnerving fact that I was forced to get accustomed to after countless adrenaline surges on my part. It helps guys like me to clearly show when you're in actual danger or not. Screaming "Help me!" or something of that sort instead of just wild screaming would send me running to wherever I heard it, without a doubt.
Oh and don't forget the infamous, "don't wear your hair in a pony-tail" suggestion. If you have your hair pulled up into a ponytail, it provides your attacker with an excellent handle to grab onto.
True enough, but so does long hair...and just about any other hairstyle women have. I could grab a bun if I wanted to I think...
If any of you are interested in this subject at all, as a primer to get started I'd recommend the DVDs:
Women's Survival: Jim Wagner's Reality-Based Personal Protection
and
Live to Tell About It: Self-Defense Techniques
It doesn't take long to watch a DVD; not nearly as long as reading a book.
Spencer
no subject
Date: 2008-09-23 11:49 pm (UTC)Oh--another thing I try to do, if for some reason you must walk through darker areas, try to carry a mini flashlight with you.
If you've been shopping at a major department or discount store, you could also try flinging the bags at your attacker (if they're big enough). In worst case scenario, if they've already got you inside a car it's better to try wrapping some piece of your clothing around your arm, or pull up to shield your head, and then trying to break a window and at least attract attention than to let them take you somewhere.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-24 03:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-24 06:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-24 07:47 pm (UTC)Powerful Words. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDmp967UMds)
no subject
Date: 2008-09-24 08:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-24 08:28 pm (UTC)I wonder what that guy did afterwards. Go break the law again, or turn from his life of crime?
no subject
Date: 2008-09-28 09:07 am (UTC)The knee is really easy to harm and dislocate. It only takes a bit of pressure. If you can manage to kick really hard at the attacker's knee, it can be effective. It may be difficult for the attacker to guard against that if he's using his upper body to grab hold of you.
Another technique that can cause harm is to go at the attacker's nose with the bottom of the palm. It's difficult for me to describe. Basically you use the lower part of the hand and jab upward at the nose. But any sort of attack on the nose can be easy and effective.
Jabbing fingers at various places can work well too. Obviously this can be done to the eyes but it can also be done at certain parts of the neck and be effective.
Then obviously there is a lot that can be done to the groin but everyone knows that already! I just thought I'd share some other techniques that haven't been mentioned yet.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-06 05:38 am (UTC)First off, my #1 recommended resource for women, especially as regards firearms, is Cornered Cat. (http://www.corneredcat.com) Seriously - go read it. Useful info for not just carrying a firearm, but general safety as well. And she has good links.
On the key thing: It's actually a *bad* idea. I always read about it, did it sometimes, and eventually read more about it and realized what a stupid idea it was. As an example, take a bunch of keys. Place between your fingers. Now lightly punch a pillow. Try a little harder (carefully). Now imagine slamming your hand into something solid. You sock someone in the face with that, and those keys are liable to get shoved into the webs of your fingers, potentially disabling your hand due to pain. If I must use keys like that, I prefer to hold one key between thumb and forefinger, with the idea of using it as a scraping tool vs. a stabbing tool. (Insert *ewww* here...) Speaking of keys, have them out and ready to use when you get to the car. Avoid fumbling in your purse at the car door.
Pepper spray can be good, but it needs to be easy accessible in your purse or your pocket. You should *not* have to unzip something or fumble with something to access the pepper spray. (I know, this is very hard to do when you don't have pockets handy!)
To anyone who's worried about pepper spray being too dangerous to have around - unless you have asthma, it's not particularly hazardous. Painful, sure. That's the point. But if you keep it in your purse, and keep your purse out of reach of inquiring children, it should be fine. It's not intended to be lethal, and police and such *do* get themselves sprayed with it during training without harm. I've had pepper spray in a house with young children (not toddlers, but young), and none of them harmed themselves with it. :) I've heard FoxLabs and Kimber's LifeAct recommended as good sprays.
Tazers...have their good points and bad points. There are "stun guns" out there that are practically useless, but the official Tazers may have potential. However, there are issues with those, too - see Cornered Cat for more info.
Anything that gives you distance is generally preferable to something that requires you to fight hand-to-hand. We're women, and generally physically weaker. Distance = goodness.
On the list...
#10 - the crying baby has been debunked by Snopes. (http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/crybaby.asp) Not that someone *couldn't* use it as a ploy, but there's no record of it anywhere.
#6 - totally depends on the stairwell or the elevator. Never get into an elevator with someone suspicious-looking!
no subject
Date: 2008-10-11 10:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-06 05:38 am (UTC)Any dress/hair recommendations I consider to be hooey. No offense intended, of course. :) In everyday life, one really doesn't have to worry about whether one's hair makes a handy grab-hold for a nefarious evildoer. Hair of any sort can be grabbed, and is one of the least of my worries. If they have one hand on your hair, that's one hand that's not preventing you from fighting back. Likewise, I'm a proponent of modesty. However, bad guys go for just about anyone - it's about power, not s*x. Truly and honestly. No need to advertise, but also, no need to panic about specific dress choices.
Trusting your gut is essential. Not paranoia, but a good sense of your
Of utmost importance, of course, is, PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Too many of us flit through life without paying any attention to the spaces and people around us. We walk blithely past blind corners and people we should be avoiding.
Follow that up with...TRUST YOUR GUT. I love elainastone's icon: "A hunch is often a conclusion based on data you don't know you possess." No paranoia, but if something just feels wrong, you should probably be on the lookout.
And on fighting back, there are many, many helpful articles on Cornered Cat, particularly in the Mindset section. That section is required reading. :) My own opinion: Never let yourself get into a position where your best option is to be compliant. Get away. Go through the attacker if need be, rather like - well, a cornered cat. But get away. If you're really and truly stuck, tied up, etc., being outwardly compliant *may* be helpful...but only until you can get away. Giving up a purse is one thing; giving up yourself to get in a car or go with someone may be tantamount to suicide.
Thanks for bringing up the topic - it's an important one. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-10-06 11:37 pm (UTC)Such as a well-placed stomp kick (a stomp kick is just what it sounds like). That might help. It is also an amazing defensive tool as well. A good knee-thrust can be both effective and difficult to counter. Ieally, but not necessarily it can be combined with a hand grab on the shoulders; you grip each shoulder with both of your hands and bring their body down at the very same time you drive your knee up into their stomach region, solar plexus, groin, etc. But that calls for a frontal execution, and for you to have enough of a handle on the situation to be able to use your arms in that way.
Another technique that can cause harm is to go at the attacker's nose with the bottom of the palm. It's difficult for me to describe. Basically you use the lower part of the hand and jab upward at the nose. But any sort of attack on the nose can be easy and effective.
That move is generally regarded to be a kill attack. The nose cartilage, etc. will be driven up and into the brain. I'm not saying it's not viable, but one who implements the strike must be ready to see its full effects.
Jabbing fingers at various places can work well too. Obviously this can be done to the eyes but it can also be done at certain parts of the neck and be effective.
The eyes are always a good idea; Keith Pascal once exhorted his readers to concentrate on the eyes and groin.
I remember a similar move on the neck in the Live to Tell About It: Self-Defense Techniques DVD. It was done as a two-finger poke into the cavity just above the the collar bone (in the little spot--feel around your own neck, you'll find it). I've also seen another move like that, but with a double-thumb attack (both thumbs together), driving into the neck just above the collar bone and down behind it, causing immense pain. I don't remember too many other details now though. Was it Kelly McCann?
First off, my #1 recommended resource for women, especially as regards firearms, is Cornered Cat. Seriously - go read it. Useful info for not just carrying a firearm, but general safety as well. And she has good links.
Ah! I too know of Cornered Cat!
On the key thing: It's actually a *bad* idea. I always read about it, did it sometimes, and eventually read more about it and realized what a stupid idea it was. As an example, take a bunch of keys. Place between your fingers. Now lightly punch a pillow. Try a little harder (carefully). Now imagine slamming your hand into something solid. You sock someone in the face with that, and those keys are liable to get shoved into the webs of your fingers, potentially disabling your hand due to pain.
I was more thinking slashing attacks. I usually opt for the something-is-better-than-nothing approach. Like I said earlier, it's not perfect, but it's a start.
Avoid fumbling in your purse at the car door.
YES! That's just asking for trouble!
You should *not* have to unzip something or fumble with something to access the pepper spray. (I know, this is very hard to do when you don't have pockets handy!)
Again, yes! The good thing about the pepper spray I linked is that it it has a quick-detach key chain.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-06 11:43 pm (UTC)I agree that there are good and bad for tasers, as I said earlier. I was talking to someone the other day about their own taser; he's got one of the best taser "pros" in his model. A very loud electric noise as well as a visible electric "current" if you will. A good scaring tool. But then again, I still prefer pepper spray.
Anything that gives you distance is generally preferable to something that requires you to fight hand-to-hand. We're women, and generally physically weaker. Distance = goodness.
Another amazing tip! You're the most enlightened commenter yet, I'd have to say. :-)
Any dress/hair recommendations I consider to be hooey. No offense intended, of course. :) In everyday life, one really doesn't have to worry about whether one's hair makes a handy grab-hold for a nefarious evildoer. Hair of any sort can be grabbed, and is one of the least of my worries. If they have one hand on your hair, that's one hand that's not preventing you from fighting back. Likewise, I'm a proponent of modesty. However, bad guys go for just about anyone - it's about power, not s*x. Truly and honestly. No need to advertise, but also, no need to panic about specific dress choices.
EXACTLY what I think! To be fair I have heard occaisonal mentions of something of ladies in skirts being targeted; once in Japan, for accessability reasons (not sure if the tale was true, and I shouldn's say any more in order to stay appropriate) and one local Mexican rape gang. They were fairly numerous and very close to home, but thankfully short-lived. I'm pretty sure they never caught all the guys...and they also did it for accessability reasons as well I believe. Well, that said, many, many women in pants are attacked. Like you said its, well...hooey. :-D
Of utmost importance, of course, is, PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Too many of us flit through life without paying any attention to the spaces and people around us. We walk blithely past blind corners and people we should be avoiding.
Again, exactly! Even when I'm out in broad daylight, I'm always looking around and even behind me. I evaluate everyone I see. Trouble? Let's see. A little kid? Fine. A small woman? The elderly? Should be great. A guy? Okay, maybe all right. What does he look like, thoough? Hmm.... That's just how I go about it. If he "smells" bad to me, I take precautions. That's just how I do it, but then again I'm a security-minded guy.
My own blog has a lot more on this kind of stuff too, as well as the blog I often link to, Warskyl.
http://drpaleophd.blogspot.com/
Again, I'd like to point out I'm only a novice. I'm no expert. Please, seek expert advice if you want expert opinions. :-)
Spencer
no subject
Date: 2008-10-30 08:33 pm (UTC)I know we had a conversation a few months ago. My computer broke and I've only been able to log in to lj to posts two things to my journal and check my communities, but I personally would like to continue it via e-mail, and ask you for some recommendations about books of the history of the United States. Hopefully, I will finally get back my computer this weekend (at last! LOL), so, if you don't mind, I'll send you the first e-mail then.
Hi again and thanks for your patience (I hope you didn't get too offended for my dissappearance)
Clara
no subject
Date: 2008-10-30 09:04 pm (UTC)No, that's perfectly alright! I've been having a difficult time keeping up with my own message box so no worries there. ;-) And feel free to email me at olde.fashioned@gmail.com anytime you want, and I'll try to reply within a decade or so, ha ha ha. ;-P I think my brother would be better at recommending history books, though! I'm more of a novel reading girl, lol. ;-)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-03 06:20 pm (UTC)And novels can also teach us a lot about history. A friend of my sister, who teaches history, encourages her pupils to read historical novels because they are a good way to beginning to learn history.
And sorry again for the delay. We didn't have internet in the house for the whole weekend, so we couldn't actually do anything there.(My sister, for example, is searching for a job, but couldn't even have a look at the job offers in her e-mail in the whole weekend). Luckily, we seem to have recover it, so expect to hear from me soon.