Don’t Be Paranoid: Be Aware

Photo Credit: katzarella/Creative Commons

I think most of us would agree that today’s world isn’t the same one we grew up in. Life moves at a frantic pace and we’re faced with different challenges than our grandparents were. (Notice I didn’t say “tougher.” Just different.)

Because of this, when a women’s (free) self-defense course was offered at our church, I immediately signed up to take it.

I believe “forewarned is forearmed.”

The class was taught by three of our local law enforcement officers: Tim, Matt, and Daryl.

All three brought unique perspectives to the class, and each of them offered some basic ways that we could protect ourselves should the need ever arise. (We pray that time never comes, but then again…you just never know.)

Officer Tim opened the class with a true story:

“Recently a 9-1-1 call was received. When the dispatcher tried to get information from the caller, there was no answer–just muted voices. The general vicinity where the call originated was in a high-frequented area, somewhere between a particular fast food restaurant and a video store.

As I circled the area in the patrol car, I initially didn’t see anything suspicious–just a man and a woman–a couple–walking toward a parked car. There were no obvious signs of distress. Nothing that would seem out of the ordinary.”

Officer Tim then parked the patrol car, stepped out, and approached the man and woman. He told them a 9-1-1 call had been received and asked if they’d seen or heard anything that would warrant such a call. The man was quick to answer, “Nope, not a thing,” but the woman didn’t say one word.

She didn’t have to. The officer could see it in her eyes. Sheer terror.

Officer Tim then asked who they were. The fellow fidgeted a bit and gave a contrived name.

“And your name, ma’am?” the officer prodded.

Nothing. Silence.

The man’s arm shot up and around the woman’s shoulders. “Oh…this is–my girlfriend.”

“Is that true, ma’am?”

Well, of course it wasn’t. As it turned out, they’d never even met. As she’d left the video store, the man had approached the woman in the parking lot, taking her by surprise.

She couldn’t think.

Or speak.

She froze.

The one thing she DID do?

She placed her hand in the pocket of her coat where her cell phone was and dialed 9-1-1–without looking at her cell phone. Something she’d trained herself to do in the event of an emergency. And when her two young children saw what was happening, they’d run to their mom’s car and locked themselves inside until help arrived.

Our class was stunned. Did things like this really happen in small communities?

What could have ended in the worst possible way had a great outcome. But it might not have.

Officer Matt recommended the book The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker, a no-nonsense approach to survival and self-protection. (I’ve put it on my list of must-haves.) Learn more about it here.

As groups of us paired off with the officers, we learned some things to keep in mind:

• If confronted, we will have the tendency to respond in one of three ways–fight, flight, or freeze. The worst thing to do is nothing.
• Do something! If you’re unable to run, target soft spots such as eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, and groin. Don’t play fair. The “bad guy” won’t. Kick, punch, bite, and grab. And don’t forget–scream!
• Never, ever get into the assailant’s vehicle, if possible. Rarely, does a kidnapping of that nature end well. If a firearm is involved, understand that most of the time, the last thing an attacker wants to do is draw attention to himself. (Yes, there’s always the possibility a scuffle would happen, but you can bet, this gal wouldn’t go without a fight.)
• If approached from the front (as in a choking position) there’s very little time to work with before unconsciousness occurs. The tendency when choked is to grab the other person’s hands, but what’s best is to quickly bring your palms up between his arms and go for the eyeballs, ears, or nose. (Our group practiced these techniques.)
• If grabbed from behind, you can drop your center of gravity. Become a “rag doll.” Going limp can throw your attacker off-balance and give you a chance to regroup. You can also pull/twist fingers back (fingers are very sensitive), and throw your elbows out instead of keeping them close to your side where he can gain better leverage. (We practiced this, as well.)

Bottom Lines:

• Choose something you think is effective and practice that technique!
• If carrying pepper spray, a “stun gun,” or firearm, learn how to properly use them and be prepared to use them. There won’t be time to hesitate.

Something Officer Matt mentioned was this:

90% of us are “sheep” (non-violent people). 5% are law enforcement. 5% are “wolves” looking for easy targets.

Ladies, don’t make yourself an easy target. Carry yourself with confidence. Pay attention to your surroundings and take note of details.

*DISCLAIMERS: I am not an expert. I’m not recommending a specific self-defense item or even a firearm. You must choose for yourself what avenue is best.

WHAT I DO RECOMMEND: Take a basic self-defense course. There’s something everyone can do!

Have you ever taken a self-defense course?

What would you add to the tips above?

What’s something you’ve never tried, but would like to?

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Photo Credit: katzarella/Creative Commons

Blessings Always,