We all have a responsibility for our own safety. Even if you’re not looking for it, violence can happen anywhere and at any time. Sometimes that fear can be paralyzing and lead us to take steps back in our lives rather than moving forward.
In the United States, more than 4 million women are victims of physical assault each year. In addition to this staggering statistic, 1 in 5 college-aged women will be a victim of sexual assault during their time on campus. With all the violence and crime in the world, it is important to know how to protect yourself.
Why should women in particular know how to defend themselves? Here are three reasons:
- Women are more likely than men to be attacked by someone they know;
- Women who fight back against their attackers are less likely to suffer serious injury or death;
- Being able to defend yourself may make it easier for law enforcement officials (who might not always be nearby) when they arrive at the scene of an attack.
There are many ways that people protect themselves from harm, but the most common type of self-defense is by using your body as a weapon. Knowledge of self-defense techniques doesn’t have to mean going out and getting a black belt or anything like that. You may not be able to become a ninja overnight, but there are many simple things you can do to stay safe, and more empowered in your day-to-day life.
If should you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable or threatening situation. Here are 5 easy things you can start doing today!
1. Carry your keys between your fingers like claws – they can be used to scratch the attacker’s eyes
2. If you’re being grabbed from behind, try to stomp on their foot or kick them in the shin
3. Put something sharp like a pen or pencil between your fingers and use it as an improvised weapon
4. Use any objects around you as weapons – for example, throwing a coffee mug at the attacker’s face is better than nothing!
5. Scream loudly and fight back with everything you’ve got!
Always keep in mind that when things like this happen to you, try not to panic. Remember that there are people nearby who will help you if they hear screams of distress or if they see someone attacking another person.
Self-defense can be used for more than just defending yourself from an attacker. It’s also a great way to get exercise, which will help you feel better about your body and improve your self-esteem. You’ll learn skills that might come in handy during times of natural disasters or other emergencies too. And if nothing else, knowing how to defend yourself could save your life one day!
