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PERSONAL SAFETY (CONFRONTING DANGER)

Do as much as you can to avoid a confrontation - "anticipation and avoidance" are the key words. If you get caught up in a situation, try to talk to an aggressor without provoking them. Practice relaxation, as appearing fearful or stressed can actually provoke an attack. Remember that body language is important in aggressive situations, so maintain a comfortable distance between you and the aggressor.

Use a gas or electronic attack alarm, as these give out a short piercing sound and will temporarily disorientate an attacker, giving you enough time to escape. Carry it somewhere where you can get to it quickly - don't leave it buried at the bottom of your bag. If you don't have an alarm, just make a noise yourself by screaming as loud as you can, or shouting "call the police" - if you're loud enough this can be just as effective as a personal alarm. If you have an alarm, use it and shout as well.

Steady yourself if danger threatens. Panic can disable you, so again it’s useful to learn how to keep control in a difficult situation. And if you must fight back, adopt what police term the "bash and dash" approach. Basically you just want to hurt the attacker as quickly as possible so that you can get away. Primary targets are the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, throat, groin, knees or shins; choose whichever is easiest to get to.

If held from behind don't struggle forward, you'll only exhaust yourself. Instead throw yourself backwards to surprise your attacker or stomp on the lower leg or foot. A good elbow strike straight back, can also be very effective at getting someone to loosen his or her grip on you.

You have the right to defend yourself with reasonable force and this includes using items you have with you such as an umbrella, bag, briefcase or keys. However, don't carry or use anything that the law would regard as an offensive weapon. Once you've achieved your primary aim of stunning or surprising your attacker, get away as fast as you can. If you manage to overcome them don't attack again, you could be putting yourself in more danger or you could end up being charged with assault.

These are just the very basics of self-defense, but to learn more about it and get some exercise at the same time, find a local self-defense class and encourage your family along to join you. Just remember "anticipation and avoidance" are the best forms of defense.

Below are a few more tips for staying out of trouble

·         Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, something is probably wrong.

·         Be aware of your surroundings.

·         Walk close to the curb, facing oncoming traffic.

·         Carry bags close to your body.

·         Look confident.

·         Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

·         If you are being followed, head for a crowded place.

·         If people start milling around you, it could be a set-up for a mugging.  

·         Know yourself, how do you react in a crisis situation? Do you scream, cry, freeze? How would you defend yourself?

·         Remember there is no right or wrong approach to getting out of dangerous situations.

·         Show your anger, not your fear. A furious reaction often may stop an attack. Remember an attacker is looking for an easy victim. Yelling is always a good deterrent (a good choice is to yell FIRE) this will draw attention to those who do not want to get involved but may be concerned for their own safety and may come to help.

·         If there are other people around, yell loudly enough to get their attention to what the assailant is doing.

·         If you are alone and do not know anyone on the street or nearby, try calling a name out to make the attacker or assailant believe you may be with someone. This may also help if you are alone at home.

·         If someone has a weapon stay calm and wait for an opportunity. Weapons make the situation more dangerous and difficult, but there still may be something you can do about the situation.