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Some safety advice for the ladies

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Sorry its long, but its worth the read.
I received the following information from a friend in the States this morning, and I thought I would post it on here for all the girls to read, considering the events of the past couple of weeks in England, and the constant worry we have about being out and about, especially over the Xmas period, parties etc, I hope it helps you all. Those in the North East who fancy Self Defence Lessons, I am going to be running a 1 or 2 evening course in the New Year. PM me if you fancy joining in. If any of you have tips or hints of your own, please post them on here, anything that could potentially save lives, or save us from an attack would be good. I'm not going to assume no one has common sense, we all do, especially on this site, but it was just a few things we might not have heard before. I, by no means, want to scare anyone, its simply advice that might suit the Americans more than us, but you never know.
Things women should know to stay safe: Please take the time to read these pointers. There may just be one or two you hadn't thought of. After reading this, forward it to all the women you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we have to inhabit!!
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. If a robber asks for your handbag, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you.... he is probably more interested in your handbag than you and he will go for the handbag. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the boot of a car: Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm through the hole and start waving. The driver won't see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their cheque book, putting make up on, or making a list).
DON'T DO THIS! A predator could be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, and attack you. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a car park:
a) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and check the back seat.
b) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most attackers surprise 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 may want to walk back into the shop, 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 lift instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot.
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!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you , or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played 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 one night, 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 babies' cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
Please fee free to add your own defence tips/experiences.
I think men need to be equally worried about their safety.
I wonder if it's a good idea to send a friend details of a meet (such as address/name/phone numbers/etc) - so if you go missing they have something to pass on to the police?
Thanks for that, I think girls, or at least everyone I know, have done this for a few years, certainly since Suzy Lamplugh went missing (the estate agent). I always leave details with my friends of everyone I meet, I guess we have to trust they were being honest, but I never meet without knowing email addy and phone number, common sense. Its simple things that we don't think of when we are out in the street that we need to consider at the moment, and the 'criminals' are sadly getting more intelligent! sad
I will be covering some very clever and very obvious physical ideas in my class, but its hard to get across on here lol
Quote by 36openminded
I think men need to be equally worried about their safety.

More so in fact. Statistically far more likely to be victims of violent crime. I used to teach personal safety courses (ratified by the police). Most of the advice given is sound and applicable to guys as well as girls...guys are less likely to listen though...
Quote by SteveClarke
...guys are less likely to listen though...

lol
Very true, and girls are not, traditionally, taught how to defend themselves or 'fight', so I guess any help we can offer, the better, so Steve if you have any words of wisdom from your classes I would love to hear them, and would be grateful if you posted anything that could help any of us out there, but specifically the girls. Not many female serial killers/rapists out there these days :lol:
Quote by ClassyKatie
9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch one night, 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 babies' cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

I don't mean to belittle this useful thread as it is always important to be aware of your personal safety. But.... is this an English story? There are so many unlikely urban myths circulating that seem to be designed to prey on peoples fears.
The fear of crime is far greater than the actual threat of crime.
The group most at risk from physical attack are young men, probably cos they hand around outside pubs and clubs getting into drunken fights.
Quote by keeno

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch one night, 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 babies' cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

I don't mean to belittle this useful thread as it is always important to be aware of your personal safety. But.... is this an English story? There are so many unlikely urban myths circulating that seem to be designed to prey on peoples fears.
The fear of crime is far greater than the actual threat of crime.
The group most at risk from physical attack are young men, probably cos they hand around outside pubs and clubs getting into drunken fights.
According to Snopes it's a myth

but the overall advice is good common sense and would help to keep people safer.
Jas
XXX
I've recieved advice over the years that has proved pretty valuable to me. One such piece of advice came from a police officer, he said if you are ever attacked by anyone always try and get away, if you cant and a fight ensues go for the groin! (as long as its a man) I'm sure i'll get flamed for this post buts its worked for me.
If you do get grabbed don't scream for help.
On a busy night or in a rough area people will often ignore it - Yell Fire at the top of your voice and you are far more likely to get people running to help.
Jas
XXX
I've also been told that shouting really loudly and suddenly in the attackers face will throw them for a second giving you a chance to escape.
A very good and worthwhile thread classykate and one which i know a lot about myself having been a martial arts CQB instructor myself.
A good bit of information is always a key element as knowledge is power:
Unfortunately there is a physical difference between men and women which gives men an edge in the event of an attack, the best way to counteract this is not to act in the way that is expected of you. An attacker will feel psychologicaly superoir as he believes an outcome to his advantage will be achieved. TAKE THIS ADVANTAGE AWAY AND CHANGE THE OUTCOME!! the attacker will invariably believe that you will act a certain way, either completely panic and become completely at his mercy, or try and run. The best thing to do in the event of an attack believe it or not is to act in a way which startles or takes the element of suprise and superiority away from the attacker.
To do this will take a lot of courage and you will need to keep very calm:
Take two steps away but keep facing the attacker put your hands up in front of you at shoulder height and shout loudly and directly at the attacker shout something like " TAKE A STEP BACK IMMMEDIATELY YOU ARE INVADING MY PERSONAL SPACE AND I WILL NOT LET YOU DO IT, STEP BACK IMMEDIATELY OR I WILL CALL LOUDLY FOR HELP" (hopefully at this they will turn tail and run) if not, then ask them a direct question still loudly and directly which confuses them (if they are still there which with any luck your first action has prevented)
"I KNOW YOU DONT I?"
"YOU LIVE ROUND HERE"
(statistically most male attackers live within a 5 mile radius of the attack)
If they are still in front of you after this listen to what they have to say to this, this is very important as your answer will be crucial in determining a positive and non violent outcome. they have proved they are a very confident attacker by still being in front of you at this point and you will have to change tactics
If they say no say "I DO KNOW YOU YOU LOOK VERY FAMILIAR" this will set alarm bells ringing for them as they know you have got a good look at them.
Now you must let him feel he has won say "IF YOU WANT MY BAG TAKE IT THERE IS OVER A HUNDRED POUNDS IN IT" (even if there is only a fiver in it) and as kate mentioned throe the bag in front of you toward the attackers feet, and donot block his ecsape move away facing hin not blocking any possible exit.
At the end of the day a new bag etc and phone isnt worth taking risks for, hope this helps a little and if anybody has any comments to add feel free, it is important to keep people informed as unfortunately we live in a world where this type of attack is all too common!
Quote by Drewxcore
I've recieved advice over the years that has proved pretty valuable to me. One such piece of advice came from a police officer, he said if you are ever attacked by anyone always try and get away, if you cant and a fight ensues go for the groin! (as long as its a man) I'm sure i'll get flamed for this post buts its worked for me.

You won't get flamed for it at all, its one of the most important things I learnt for self defence, but don't go for the groin, go for the head VIA the groin, then you get far more force behind it. Aim to hit his teeth with your knee, when you have the chance to get near his groin, trust me, from experience when I was being attacked, it saved my life. A quick knee in the groin stuns them, but using enough force to get his balls back inside his body makes him unable to move for a while.
Thanks for the comment Drew
Is a good thread anytime but over xmas it is much more prevelant to be aware of safety issues, there are more attacks and rapes this time of year than any other due to the party scene adn people taking money and gifts to and from the shops and the onset of the dark before 4pm.
it sounds like classykate definately knows her onions and hopefully with a little advice and the use of common sense people might be a little safer or at least a little more informed of the dangers facing them.
most of the time its common sense not to do something that is possibly dangerous etc but things like getting in a "taxi" after a night out that is common to all of us can prove very fateful for some, a lady who attended my classes had been on a night out, got very drunk and thought she would avoid the taxi queue outside the nightclub and went walking off alone down the street hoping to catch one enroute. Needless to say it was an unlicensed taxi (she was too drunk to notice the lack of stickers on side etc) and was very nearly sexually assaulted, luckily getting away with only the loss of her handbag and a serious wake up call followed. NEVER get in a taxi that you flag down alone, always call one from a reputable firm and if possible book it as a return journey from the same taxi firm that picks u up on your way out.
there are loads of little tips on staying safe etc but unfortunately like a lot of ladies that come to my class they ony find out through making the mistakes, avoiding them in the first place is the best bet, as some arent so fortunate and dont get to tell the tale or have to live with the "if only id have...." etc.
good post kate well worth spending some time on smile
Good on you girl, this is as obvious as it is common sense but unfortunately too many of us ignore our own personal safety.
Having worked in the pub industry for a good few years i've been on 1 or 2 courses just aimed at reminding us how to be aware of our own surrounding and I have 1 tip that id like to pass on. I very often walk to my car late at night, rarely alone but if I am I always carry my car keys in my hand pointing away from me. This is a valuable weapon that can cause a fair bit of damage if you are approached by an 'undesirable' person. Unfortunately situations such as this are often turned around and the attacker then believes he/she (dont want to be sexist) becomes the victim of an assault, the cheek!!!
From the police's point of view, the car keys are not a weapon just something you happened to have hold of and your case for self defence stands.
Unbelievable that it has to be thought of this way but if someone wants to have a go at me, I'll be ready mad
Thanks again Classykatie
Mrs Grif x
Quote by Jas-Tim

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch one night, 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 babies' cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

I don't mean to belittle this useful thread as it is always important to be aware of your personal safety. But.... is this an English story? There are so many unlikely urban myths circulating that seem to be designed to prey on peoples fears.
According to Snopes it's a myth


As I said at the start of the thread, it has come from America, and I'm sorry if it is a myth, thanks for pointing it out, but I just wanted to point out, myth or fact, if a criminal is hell bent on a new 'angle' then maybe, just maybe, they would latch onto a myth and turn it into horrifying real life. So, thanks for highlighting it might not necessarily be an English fact, but still highly worrying and more than possible, I'd rather be aware of it as a myth, than hear about it actually happening from the newsroom.
Another tip I saw a while ago suggested that when parking in a car park, always reverse the car into the bay.
This means that if there is a problem when returning to the car, you can drive straight out of the bay and be gone at speed, rather than fannying around reversing, stopping (giving the attacker another opportunity to get at you) and then moving forward.
Thinking further as I type, depending on the layout of the car park (i.e. if there is a wall behind the car) reversing into the bay means you also have the opportunity of getting the car door between you and the other person as you are getting into the car.
I was going to say something witty and sharp..... but with all these women pumped up looking for a victim now I think I'll shut up.....
Quote by grifrock
I always carry my car keys in my hand pointing away from me. This is a valuable weapon

I was taught this by a police officer that came into my school when I was younger, and always have my keys in my hand when I am on my own especially at night.
Another tip that a policeman told me was, when getting in your cr to take your mobile out of your bag and put your bag into the boot so that no one would try to snatch you bag off the passenger seat (admit it we all just plonk our bags there!) whilst stopped at traffic lights etc.
Another one that I had forgotten that I did and Sheddy has just reminded me........is that I don't carry my driving license on me as if your bag gets stolen the person now has now only your adress but also your house keys...... confused Technically you should carry your license but once when pulled by a busy I explained why I didn't have it with me and he agreed that it was a good idea especially as at the time I was living on my own. I don't think having a producer is to much to worry about when it could stop you coming home to an intruder in you property. Another way to get round this is to register your license to another address ie your parents.
Good thread Katie, always good to remind people of what they can do to protect themselves...... biggrin
You could also consider a few things a friend of mine picked up in the forces, where he was told 3 things that help to disable an enemy (or attacker in this case)
1. If they can't see you they can't fight you- don't be afraid to stick your thumb into their eyeball if you're being held down or grabbed in any way, the pain is apparently unbearable.
2. if they can't walk they can't follow you- my mate was shown two methods, both based on the same move. take a step back so that your dominent or strongest leg is behind you and your fists are raised as a form of distraction but giving a defensive/aggressive posture as a warning. in they continue to approach you step forward in an attacking move and either
a) stamp forcefully onto the inner front of their ankle or
b) onto their knee just as they contact the floor with thier foot. Both of these need good timing and confidence to do but cause serious pain and injury to an attacker.
3. if they can't breath they can't do anything- Either punching or pressing a thumb into the windpipe, just below the adams apple will cause enough pain and restriction of breathing that any attacker will have problems standing.
remember, these were taught for combat situations (and may possibly have been taught 'off the record') so probably best used as a last resort :thumbup:
Quote by Drewxcore
I've recieved advice over the years that has proved pretty valuable to me. One such piece of advice came from a police officer, he said if you are ever attacked by anyone always try and get away, if you cant and a fight ensues go for the groin! (as long as its a man) I'm sure i'll get flamed for this post buts its worked for me.

As a man, i know it hurts, no, I slipped when I was riding.
As for the advise I agree, run, if there is a fight end it quick, eye, groin, what ever, he should not have started it. Then run and shout, even if there is no one to hear, he does not know that.
This may come across as a rather oddball thing to say but this "advice" comes from America! "home of the free etc etc" , where its legal to carry guns for personal protection! and legally defencable to use methods up to ultimate force!
Over here I can quite see the "victim" is going to be the one that ends up in court for attacking the poor defenceless "yob!"
Best advice is never put yourself in a position where you ever have to use any force at all ! Just don't allow yourself to become a victim in the first place. avoid such situations and chances are you won't be targeted in the first place !
Quote by peenut
Best advice is never put yourself in a position where you ever have to use any force at all ! Just don't allow yourself to become a victim in the first place. avoid such situations and chances are you won't be targeted in the first place !

People dont allow themselves to become victims rolleyes There is a small minority of so called "yobs, muggers, rapists, murderers" As for not putting yourself in a certain position or situation - we all have to go about our daily business, some finish work late, some have to travel lonely roads, and yes, some do prostitute - it is no excuse for them being in a vulnerable position or targeted as a victim. If we were to avoid every potential victim situation, then we would be hermits and that does not guarantee safety either !!!
As for being hauled up in front of a court for injuring a "yob" - I personally would stand there everytime, if someone attacks me or breaks in to my home - I do not know what their intention is, be it to myself or my kids. So, I would rather stand in a court, intact and alive with my family everytime.
Quote by Juniper_couple
As for being hauled up in front of a court for injuring a "yob" - I personally would stand there everytime, if someone attacks me or breaks in to my home - I do not know what their intention is, be it to myself or my kids. So, I would rather stand in a court, intact and alive with my family everytime.

Ditto to that :thumbup:
I'd happily take any consequences as a result of defending myself/family.
I tried to make this post last night- but SH was revolting & I was late for TKD. (student of the month BTW :bouncesmile
Anyway, to reiterate what has already been said, reversing into the car park space is absolutely essential, and we should always do it. If you're off back to your car in the dark, do keep those keys in your hand as a defensive weapon & to get into the car fast. Familiarise yourself with the car park layout & park under a light when possible.
You are not legally obliged to carry your driving licence at all- it may make the cop's life easier, but that does not mean you need to carry it.
When walking, don't walk right next to bushes/hedges where an assailant could hide. Walk facing oncoming traffic when possible. If you feel threatened, ie you think you're being followed walk up to the front door of a house with lights on- if you're still really worried, knock loudly.
Don't walk like an easy target. Shuffling along hunched up & nervous looking means you're much easier prey than someone walking upright, facing the world head on & aware of whats going on around them.
Its the festive season, but don't get too drunk. I was in a situation myself which could have turned nasty fairly recently. I thought I was with someone I could trust, they were plying me with booze in a "matey" fashion with an alterior motive. Had I accepted one more drink, the situation could have been very different.
Remember, stilletto's hurt- either stamped on a foot or used to hit people with. The vast majority of fights end up on the floor, so use a shoe if you need to. An instructor can teach you how to get out of a grappling situation.
The elbow really is the strongest body part- I had to use mine to break a 1" board on sunday- my elbow is bruised, the board was broken.
The physical aspects of self defence are best covered in classes. Very similarly to classykatie, my best mate & I are going to be running courses next year too.
If you can't find anything specifically for self defence in your area, ring around local Martial Arts clubs- some wont suit you, but there will be some which have an emphasis on self defence.
Dont put it off- learning to defend yourself could save your life.
Quote by Juniper_couple
As for being hauled up in front of a court for injuring a "yob" - I personally would stand there everytime, if someone attacks me or breaks in to my home - I do not know what their intention is, be it to myself or my kids. So, I would rather stand in a court, intact and alive with my family everytime.

worship
If someone broke into my home, then that's MY property, MY family, MY home, MY own personal space and no one has the right to invade that. I would defend my family to the hilt and if I thought they were at risk, then I most certainly would fight back. Stuff the burglar's human rights. As far as I am concerned, when you break into someone's home, it is with the intention to steal, do damage or to injure someone. That's when you become the bad guy and give up your human rights. ( Flame away, I have thick skin )
Since being single I sleep with a baseball bat under my bed and I wouldn't hesitate to use it to defend me or my family.
Quote by Sassy-Seren

As for being hauled up in front of a court for injuring a "yob" - I personally would stand there everytime, if someone attacks me or breaks in to my home - I do not know what their intention is, be it to myself or my kids. So, I would rather stand in a court, intact and alive with my family everytime.

worship
If someone broke into my home, then that's MY property, MY family, MY home, MY own personal space and no one has the right to invade that. I would defend my family to the hilt and if I thought they were at risk, then I most certainly would fight back. Stuff the burglar's human rights. As far as I am concerned, when you break into someone's home, it is with the intention to steal, do damage or to injure someone. That's when you become the bad guy and give up your human rights.
If any one breaks in to your house just qoute your rights under artical 2 of the human
rights act
"the right to life is not absolute. There are circumstances, recognized by artical 2, in which the right must give way to other inteests. Sometimes these are private interests, as when a person is attcked and defends him/herself. "
Quote by felixx1416
If any one breaks in to your house just qoute your rights under artical 2 of the human
rights act
"the right to life is not absolute. There are circumstances, recognized by artical 2, in which the right must give way to other inteests. Sometimes these are private interests, as when a person is attcked and defends him/herself. "

Is that before or after I smack them senseless? dunno
Quote by Sassy-Seren

If any one breaks in to your house just qoute your rights under artical 2 of the human
rights act
"the right to life is not absolute. There are circumstances, recognized by artical 2, in which the right must give way to other inteests. Sometimes these are private interests, as when a person is attcked and defends him/herself. "

Is that before or after I smack them senseless? dunno
After :dry:
Another small tip for the ladies,
What do you carry in your bags most if not all of the time?
Hairspray? Deodorant? Perfume?
In your cars, in the map holder or glove box?
De-icer?
Whilst not condoning this in anyway your honour........
It F*****g hurts if you get it accidentally in your eyes.... innocent
Staffys xxxxx
If you feel up to disabling your attacker and you're a bit far away for the groin, go for the knees. But when someone is facing you their knee is in the strongest position. So don't kick straight at it. You'll may miss anyway. Instead kick HARD out slightly sideways to push the side of the knee outward (preferably) or inward - as part of turning to run maybe. If you connect right you will temporarily (or permanently - who cares?) cripple him, if you miss you may well dead-leg him or at least drop him onto that knee on the floor which will hurt like hell.
I was going to describe a Judo move but decided it would be much more sensible to encourage people to take on either self defence or a defensive martial art.
I would recommend Judo as opposed to, say, Karate. My son was bullied at school and we decided that teaching him to fight back sounded good, but that left him still facing his attacker. Teaching him Judo taught him to drop his opponent to the floor without raising so much as a sweat. He could then walk away to safety. The attackers often could not even describe how they got there. It also did wonderful things for his balance - which is true for all martial arts I think. Balance is vital - if you are on the floor you are pretty well helpless.
As for the idea of not putting yourself in those positions. Yes think ahead and book a taxi etc. But no-one and I mean NO-ONE gets to dictate my life by fear.