With the tragic incident of Kelsey Smith from Overland Park KS last
week; these are some tips that might refresh your mind on what to do if
you ever encounter this type of situation. For those of you unfamiliar with Kelsey Smith, she was a 17 year old abducted from a Target parking lot in Overland Park KS on Saturday, June 2nd in broad daylight. Her body was located in Missouri several days later. Her abductor was caught on surveillance cameras follow Kelsey into Target, leaving moments before her. Her abduction was also, but not clearly, on tape. When Kelsey did not arrive where she was supposed to be Saturday, searchers started looking for her. They were finally able to track her movements via her cell phone "pinging" cell towers. They found her body in a wooded area in Missouri. The surveillance photos provided a good picture of the "person of interest" and that was posted all over TV and Internet. The man, a 27 year old with a wife and child, was arrested and faces charges of kidnapping and 1st degree murder. The articles I've read indicate that he will be charged in Federal Courts because he crossed state lines from Kansas to Missouri and that he could face the death penalty Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or love 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 your wife, your children, 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 in New Orleans 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. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE 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.
a. 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 , and in the back seat 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 may want to 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 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. ************* Here it is *******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.
>>>> Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby ---- This e-mail should be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana
I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know.(AND ANYONE YOU KNOW!) It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass it onto them, as well.>>>> Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry. Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life.
(*(*note I got this in a forward

I would do everything unsafe, hell i carry a knife, mace, and a needle with me lol. the needle, a hypodemric or w/e they use in hospitals for shots n stuff. I have it slightly filled with blue water. Stab them and inject telling them this "even if you kill me, you will suffer more" and laugh manicly. IM INSANE

Those are ALL excellent tips. Simply excellent.

I was the victim of a violent crime that put me in the hospital and a few facial sugeries because I didn't follow rule number FIVE.

I can't stress how important that one is.

I actually did see my attacker in the parking lot I was mugged and beat up in, I even was wary enough of him to drive to a more lighted and crowded area of the lot (people were standing outside the restaurant no more than 30' away.

What I FAILED to do was lock my doors AND like in rule #4, I was fiddling around with my purse. The attacker came up in my blind spot, opened the car door, crouched down to hide himself behind the door, then stood up and backhanded me in the face hard enough to crush my sinuses. He then pulled me out of the car and tried to wrestle my purse away in a way that made it look like I was allowing him to hug me. People were looking right at us and didn't realize I was being attacked (it was dark out).

Keep those doors locked ladies and I can't stress how important it is for you to follow your instincts... if it doesn't feel right or it feels amiss, it probably is.

The first thing that came to mind was a very nervous criminal holding a gun at me and I make a fast move which startles the assailant and I end up shot...

I think your tips are great though, thx.

Nice post. Speaking of point #2, that happened to a friend of mine. He was in New Orleans and was approached by 3 thugs. One of them had a knife and they demanded his wallet. If he had have throw it he would have thrown his wallet away, he still would have lost it, but he may have saved his subsequent beatdown.

Um, the story about the serial killer imitating a baby crying is an urban legend. I heard it 30 years ago or more.
But it's still a valid point. Call the police, lock yourself in with the phone and wait for the cops. Preferably, put as many locked doors or barriers between you and a potential assailant as you can, such as locking the bedroom door, then locking yourself in the bathroom that's in the bedroom.

Rule No. 10: If you live in the states, and your state allows it, carry a concealed handgun. Get training with it and then carry it wherever you go. Millions of lives have been saved because someone had the forethought to carry a gun for protection.
I carry a Walther PPK or a Smith & Wesson .38 snubnose whenever I leave my desert home and go into Salt Lake City.
Contrary to perception, Salt Lake City, Utah is a rough town in some places. Lots of Hispanic gang-bangers and wanna-be gangers, druggies, Skinheads and other ne'er do wells.
The most vulnerable place for anyone is in the stall of a public restroom. Criminals will bang on your door and demand your wallet, claiming they have a gun.
This happened to a guy years ago when I lived in Washington state. Robber demanded his wallet as the guy sat on the throne of a department store. Then the robber had the bad judgement to shove his hand under the door, with a gun in his hand.
The guy reached down, turned the man's wrist to the side, and began sawing on his wrist with the 4-inch knife he carried. The robber nearly bled to death, and needless to say he let go of the gun.
A paramedic friend of mine told me about it. He was on the call.
That robber was lucky. The man on the pot also had a .45 in a shoulder holster. He could have shot through the door and filled the robber with lead.
There is nothing paranoid, wrong or strange about carrying a ccncealed pistol if you can do so legally. It's just good Survival Sense.
These are dangerous times we live in, no matter where we live.
The display of a gun sends the robber running nearly all of the time. Those that don't flee deserve to be shot.
Would that more people legally carried a concealed handgun. The streets would be a whole lot safer --- and studies prove this point, in states where concealed weapon permits are available to the law-abiding populace.

just learn some basic martial arts or boxing, or the all powerful knee to the jewels, Remember to step INTO it for momentum and the elbow is a great weapon as long as you hit with the point of the elbow not the side and aim for the bridge of the nose which will cause a laceration which will cause plenty of blood to spill into the attackers eyes which will be ample enough time to get outta there

edit: also a good way to stop an attacker is to throw a straight punch into preferably the sternum or gut and then knee him/her in the face remember to clinch the neck and shoulders when driving the knee

Thanks Gatofeo, but I'll pass on owning a gun. I know that in my situation, I would never have been able to use it. And, had he got my purse from me (he didn't, the long strap was all tangled up around my arm) he would then have had my gun too. Nope, I'll definitely pass on the gun.

When my attacker had me in what amounted to a standing full body lock I used what I had... namely my 4" stiletto heels. Wrapping my leg around his and continually wracking his shins and the top of his foot with my heels was actually enough to get him to let me go. Since my face was shattered, I couldn't even scream. No one knew anything was wrong with me until I collapsed on the pavement and began to crawl up onto the sidewalk. Those folks saw us, they just didn't know I was being attacked. Had they realized it, they would have helped. The guy that popped me wasn't a very big dude, he coudln't have been more than 5'6" and 160lbs at the very most.

Rather than carrying a knife or a gun... if that had been me in the stall in that bathroom, I'd said I was going into my purse for my wallet then grabbed a ball point pen or a pair of rosary pliers I carry and jammed it right inbetween the tendons in the dolts wrist.

I don't like weapons either ... but I'm 6'0 and 205 pounds so I'm pretty well off most people don't bother me although when i lived in Vancouver there were always problems... god i can only imagine what stilettos would feel like bashing into shins OUCH lol

Hey all,
I'm a male and I curentlly working on a book of a practical self-defence. One of my mostly stessed chapter is about women self defense. I've been practicing martial arts since I was a kid and always fascinated by it, however, I never got into any fight that I started, in other way, I'm a pacifist. I'm also a lawyer and currently studying Capoeira (the Brazilian martial art). If it's possible, I'd like to share some more tips:

1. Never dress yourself too sexy or too appealing, unless you want to be attacked. This is true, most of rape cases usually trigerred by sexy outfit (I'm sooo not blaming you women! You are all attractive by nature! ). Dress this way if you're in big groups or have someone trusted accompany you.
2. Don't wear too attracting jewelries, same as above.
3. 3 most devastating part of a man: the balls, the lower jaw (around the chin) and their armpits. Strike any of this as strong as you can, works best with any weapon available around you (trashcans, woods, two by fours, wrenches or any hard objects. One fatal point is also the back of the head, this will surely drop them if you hit it hard.
4. Eye gouging. Very easy, very handy. Proceed with any of number 3 attacks after this one!
5. Some body parts which are naturally hard and devastating: Elbows, knees, heels and your wrists points exactly underneath your palm. Striking with any of these is proven devastating. All of these can be used for both fleshy and bony parts of a human. While some kicks and punches works only for bony/fleshy parts only.
6. When close enough, kick their kneecap diagonally downside to crush their knee instantly, or at least deliver excruciating pain and stunt them.
7. When they're armed with knoves or sharp objects, do not try to run as they might going to chase and stab you from behind Instead, attack their weapon or the fist that holding the weapon with your purse/bag/anything. They'll be surprised and big chance that they'll drop it or lose it. When they try to collect their weapon, do number 3 or 4 or 5. If you got nothing with you, stay until a close distance and then squeeze their fist so hard that he won't be able to move the weapon, then quickly attack wit number 3,4 or 5 and quickly unarm them by taking their weapon from them. Works best if your back is in his chest.
8. There are never really anyone that train their joints, so any grapple or submission moves will surely make them submit. Learn some basic arm twirling or ankle breaking on your local gym/martial art class.
9. Try not to wear stilettos at night unless you're with someone trusted. Instead, always have a good running shoe with you. If necessary, bring a running shoe along with your stilettos.
10. When all else fails, run and scream! This is the best defense so far.

Hope this will help! If you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to contact me. I'll be glad to help.

my e-mail: capoeiranger@hotmail.com

Not long ago a relative told me about a friend's daughter whose car was invaded by some guy. He threatened her with her with a knife and told her to drive. So she did, but with some very smart thinking, when she approached a set of traffic lights where there were shops and a cafe crowd on pavement tables she veered towards them, landed the car on the pavement and started screaming, then managed to get out of the car and head for the cover of the crowd. With the 'tables' turned, the attacker fled the other way and was later apprehended. I think that being brave not matter how crazy it seems is the last thing most perps expect, if the chance arises. I know it doesn't always work that way, so I love hearing stories like this.

I'm so sorry to hear that many of you/your friends fell victim for these maniacs. Tak precautions and always be vigilant wherever you are.

I agree with the "don't dress sexy" tip. It is most certainly true that wearing high heels makes us even more vulnerable. It's IMPOSSIBLE to run in those damn things, and it's even hard to walk. I only wear them to special occassions. I ALWAYS carry a knife, even when I go jogging in the morning. Oh, doing lots of running = more athletic ability and means you can easily outrun someone. Practicing the martial arts = more athleticism and self defense capabilities. Judo is my favorite-you can be tiny and still kick a** even against someone double your size. Everywhere I go, I try to BE WITH SOMEBODY, even the grocery/clothes store. I avoid parking garages at all costs (unless I am with my boyfriend.)

Heh, I was attacked and I'm convinced that my 4" stilletto's saved me. Of course, I've been wearing high high heels since for 25 years, and I can run like wind in them ... practice makes perfect. haha.

Honestly, really, what qualifies as "sexy"? I've been told that I'm at my sexiest wearing a pair of Eagle Outfitter jeans, a tailored white blouse and heels. Great. A girl can't even wear jeans and a blouse now?

When I was attacked, I was wearing a pink silk brocade Ellie Tahari suit. Very demure and lady-like.

What I find keeps the goonies away is being aware.

Also, as a woman, you MUST carry yourself with confidence and purpose. I learned a valuble lesson when I got the snot beat out of me (literally, the jerk broke my nose and crushed my sinuses). Now when I'm treading about after hours or really anywhere, I'm very careful to look like I have a purpose, that I'm not at all unsure of myself, I keep my car doors locked until I've surveyed the area for psycho's.

I have no shame what-so-ever about calling someone or asking someone for an escort to a dark parking garage or parking lot. I will and have called police if I see something that I think is suspicious or "off". I did it this weekend in fact.

I stopped at a local park-n-ride (bus station) to pick up a newspaper. I pulled my car into a spot right next to the paper vending machines and right away noticed a guy behind me going from car to car looking in windows. I called police and they were there in minutes (luckily it's right behind an old time 50's style drive-in restaurant police love). When they arrived, they chased the guy down, then I got out, got my paper, and went and had me a burger at the same restaurant.

I used to work at a retail store where it wasn't uncommon for me to make 100,000 dollar drops to the bank at night. I wasn't EVEN going to do that alone. I called the police precinct and they were MORE than happy to come pick me up for a bank drop every single night. I don't even live in a podunk town, it's a fairly good sized town most people around the world have heard of.

Be smart, be confident, and in the event you are attacked, run like hell, scream like a girl, or fight like a demon if running isn't an option.

I swear you are my sister from another mister hun. Running in heels; hell ya!

Any way a woman dresses attracts attention; hell sometimes I dress as grody as possible -old tee shirt and shorts or nasty sweat pants- damn doesn't mean a thing.

One thing I have in my favor is I am quite tall; 5 foot 10 inches... I am AMAZON WOMAN. I think this has helped greatly; especially because in heels Im like 6 foot 1 inch (muhahaha).

I'm also VERY athletic soooo; I don't see myself as an easy target. I did grow up with two older brothers (heights 6 foot 7 inches and 6 foot 2 inches) who used to torture me (playingly as a kid) so I know how to take a guy down; and I have in the past at Uni of MD.

I am feminine all the way but don't mess with me I'm genetically a great fighter (mentally a peacemaker) and I don't give up. ARGH...I feel like a sailor now...ARGH. lmao...

xo, Jody

PS: Thanks for the tips. I have seen most if not all of them before.

This is great advice and even though I know this stuff it's always great to keep this refreshed in your memory. Paranoid is better than dead I agree!

Several years ago when my husband and I were first married we were setting up our first apartment. The city that we lived in was small and rather sleepy with little crime however my Mother didn't raise no fool! I had been at the apartment unpacking and cleaning and decided to shower my husband was at work and I hear someone ratting around the front door, thinking it was him I quickly finished and dressed but HE (husband) didn't come in. I didn't think too much about it at first because the door was still locked and nothing was amiss but I had to go to the store and as I went out parked next to my car was a van. (thankfully it was parked on the passengers side!) There was a guy sitting in it wearing shades (which wasn't completely unusual since it was bright out) but something about his 'vibe' gave me the creeps. I started to get into the car and had my keys in my hand as a weapon (that's another trick to remember too. If you have to walk to you car at night have you keys out ready to unlock your car and while walking to your car have two keys between you first and middle and middle and ring finger of your prominent hand, a poke to the eye or somewhere soft with that will also give you a few seconds to get away. even raking them across an attackers face will hurt them.) So I was unlocking my car as he spoke to me.

His story was that he had lived in the apartment before us and was checking for his mail. I told him that he should do a change of address at the post office and that any wrongly delivered would be sent to his new address and didn't involve me. He had a piece of paper with his new address on it and wanted me to walk over and get it from him and there was no way in the world that I was going to do that so I quickly dipped in my purse and got out a piece of paper and told him to give me the address. He asked me why I wouldn't come and take it from him and seemed to be annoyed that I wasn't following his wishes and raised his voice. I remained calm and told him that I had difficulty reading anyones hand writing that I wasn't familiar with and he could either give me the address or buzz off. Angry he gave me the information and I got into the car locked the door and left.

Now the only reason that I engaged in conversation with this guy in the first place was that he spoke to me as I was unlocking my car. My car was on the end and if anyone had been with him there was no cover for them to hide. I kept the car between me and this person and would not go toward the van under any circumstance so that if some one was in the van with him (and yes it was the kind with a sliding door) I minimized the risk. I cold have been back in the house with the door locked or in the car with the door locked and engine going before he got out. And yes the I called the landlord later to see if a man by that name had lived there and then the police. The landlord had trouble with him and the guy had been evicted. So my gut instinct paid off and I am glad that my Mother raised me to be somewhat paranoid. She is a firm believer of instincts and locking your car but also looking into it before you get in or even open the door.


Mabon.

I don't think Paranoid is a good choice of words... i personally like calling it "using your brain" and "being aware".

I've never been "paranoid" if I were, I'd be afraid to leave my house, especially after having a nut case rearrange my face. But I'm not. In some odd way, that experience did two very good things for me (but I'm a half-full kinda gal)

1. It made me realize that we are vulnerable and we have to really be cognizant of what's going on, and that we must train ourselves to think quick (like you did Mabon) and make sure that we're not falling into the trap of being bull dogs. I mean, that while we as women CAN take care of ourselves when necessary, don't hesitate to ask for help at appropriate times. The feminist movement in many ways put us in danger by leading us to believe that we can karate chop an attacker and don't have to use our brains first. Frankly, I'd rather get a mall cop to walk me to my car in that dark parking structure than be put into a situation where I have to try to kick a 6'7" neandrathal's butt. (or shins in my case since I stand at a stauesque 5'1". haha). I don't call it paranoid, I call asking for an escort and checking out your surroundings "smart and assertive".

2. When that butthead rearranged my face, he actually did me a favor in a way... after all the nasal surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery... I never had hayfever or allergies again. I laugh about it now, but honestly, I'd rather give birth a dozen more times than have my nose operated on again. It's the WORST. But there was that little shining light in all of it. haha.

I am adoring your courage and confident MissMelsWell.
It is true that we must keep clear of our surrounding and spend some little time understanding and evaluating ourselves and environment.

I also loved what MissMelsWell said about fight like demon if running is not an option.
For ladies who prefers to fight back (or being pressed to fight back) here's an extra tips:

* Condition yourself to be aware of any objects or things that can help you to win a fight.
Learn to identify anything as a self-defence weapons and how would you use them, like bricks, stones, woods, broken fences, iron bar, wrenches, even your stilettos and jewelries can be a deadly weapon. I have a friend (a girl) who somehow thru quick thinking and constant practice defeated 3 attackers, all male. First, she gouge one of them on the eye and ran. Two guys left then chase her. On the way, she spotted a stone and a bottle, first she threw the rock as a diversion, then she quickly hit one of them in the head with the bottle, then she continued running as the third guys chase her. She got stuck on a dead end and this is what she does: She maintained as close as possible to the wall, creating a stressed impression, thus the male attacker will come closer to her. With a quick thinking, she suddenly calmed herself up, an walked slowly toward the attacker. The attacker was surprised to see this. Quickly, she kicked his balls so hard it makes him bend over. Once he bend over, she grabs his pants on the belt, trip his leg and pushed his head to the wall so hard it knocked him out. She fled and were able to tell this story.

MissMelwell, I also am short in stature, which is another reason Mom wanted me alert. Paranoid might be a bit harsh when I stated that earlier it wasn't meant full on. I was thinking of the joke- just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you! I am sorry for what happened to you! It stinks and I hope the guy was caught and served a good long sentence.

Alert, cautious and ready is much better and remember to trust your gut. As someone stated earlier better safe than sorry.

Yes stiletto heels are a good weapon! I too learned along time ago how to run in them and at one time was as comfortable in heels as flats.

Sad fact is it doesn't matter how you're dressed, what size you are, being female puts you at risk but by the same token being male isn't a free pass against assault either.
It's a crazy world.
Mabon.

I honestly don't know if they ever got him. He did get away, and the police did blockade the major street that it happened on and searched with dogs and several police units.

The following day they tried to put together a photo line up and have me choose the person I thought did it, but unfortunately I coudn't pick anyone out specifically. Personally, I think the police knew who they were looking for but since I couldn't ID him, I was no good to them. About a year after the incident, I did get a call from the police who asked me I could go into downtown Seattle (I live in one of the Seattle burbs) and participate in a real live person line up, I said sure, but it turned out they didn't need me. I think they did get the guy, but weren't really able to tell me that one way or another since I couldn't ID him.

zukie CC's a 40 glock --due to her working in the city . since i work in the sticks i just have some "truck" guns . but the thing is being aware of the situation . in the service it's called 'situational-awareness".

Just a few more:

-Sitting at a window seat on a bus or train you can easily be blocked in, so try to get an aisle seat instead,
-Sit near the driver,
-Sit in the compartment with the most people,
-Don't flag a taxi down, order one from a known listed provider by phone,
-Make sure the taxi license plate and driver identification match the information you're given over the phone,
-Don't pull over if someone flags you down (e.g. pointing out broken tail light), get to somewhere secure first,
-Walk to your car (or house) with your keys ready, so you can get in straight away.

"When all else fails, your back is to the wall and there is absolutely no other alternative left remember... "it is better to be tried by twelve than carried by six.""

^True, always stick your back to the wall, that way you can be assured not to got assaulted or grabbed from behind.

adding to have the keys ready they can make one hell of an offense in a struggle if necessary

hahaha, some time after my attack, I developed a real obsession with jewelry, gemstones and especially rings. I wear a ring with some kind of huge stone on each finger, it's probably a subconscious "girly" brass knuckle thing goin' on with me. haha.

Haha can't blame you!

. 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!

wow... i don;t know about this.......running away from a gun pointed at you.... what if he hits your head!?!? @_@ run in a zig zag pattern? i've tried that and lost my balance. its pretty hard for me, i'm not sure about anyone else....

This will probably get you killed,so sad.

Very good advise,every bit of this or any kind of this advise can save a life,looking forword too more posts like this

lol sorry but this sounds a bit OTT for me. I got a golf club and a big knife in my house and thats all i need lol A few of my freinds have swords machettes and meat cleavers in their houses but lol Personally the golf club or the bat in ur house to scare people away is all you need id say.

Ey, this is for the women who's in danger of violence on the road. What are you talking about with your knives and machettes? Are you going to wage war against the zombies, perhaps? You see, not many women carrying golf stick around, let alone sword machettes...

good tips and I have one for you don't yell rape yell fire instead.By yelling fire people tend to look for it.Also I carry a knife on me and one in the car under the seat.My doors stay locked.I wont pull over to pick anyone up at all.Never thought of useing my keys as a weapon.Have to remember that one.I avoid any covered parking area,Also i tend to try and park as close as possable to the store front then the back of the lot and leave fast when im done shoping.I leave my kids at home with their daddy is home.When it comes to keeping them safe i go above and beyond the call of duty.

I go on short hikes in state parks with my 2 little boys quite a bit. One time we were about a mile down a trail in the woods and rounded a corner and came upon some shifty-looking guy sitting on a log. He stood up, grinning in what I sensed was a predatory way and began walking toward us. Major bad vibe and I was pretty much scared %#@&-less.

I pushed my kids behind me, raised my hiking staff up - holding it like a baseball bat - stared at the guy and said "If you come near me and my kids, I will kill you." -- rather suprising myself in the process. It just popped out.

The guy looked shocked, muttered a curse, turned around and walked away. We high-tailed it back to the car in the opposite direction.

Maybe the guy just had a weird smile and happened to be taking a walk and I scared the crap out of him, but if he was intent on no good, I'm glad what I did worked.

Some more that I have been told and do:

If you can RUN and scream and shout as loudly as you can. Only fight back if you have no other choice.

Always walk on the pavement facing oncoming traffic. It makes it much harder for someone to pull up beside you and pull you into the car.

If you have no choice but to walk alone at night, walk with confidence and purpose, this can put potential attackers off.

If walking down a dark and lonely street at night, walk in the middle of the road, this keeps you away from alleyways and other dark entrances where attackers could be hiding.

If someone stops to ask you directions whilst out walking stand a good distance away from the car. Never go up to the window.

Try and carry a little flashlight with you, it helps to see the locks on your house door/car door.

When driving keep valuables, bags, phones etc out of sight.

As soon as you get in the car, lock the doors. Keep windows closed too.

Get a spy hole/ peep hole fitted in your front door so you can see who is on the other side. Even then make sure you put the chain on the door when opening and ask for I.D. If in doubt ask the person for the telephone number of their company. If they are genuine they will have no issue with you making a quick call and clarifying. If still in doubt don't let them in.

Alway wait for a bus or a train in a well lit place.

Cover up expensive looking Jewellery when walking or driving about.

If you are going out and about, think about your route and plan ahead.

Keep some spare change on you so if you get mugged and your wallet stolen you can get home.

Try to keep both hands free and not in your pockets whilst walking.

Don't listen to music (i.e ipod) whilst out walking on your own. You won't be able to hear if someone is walking behind you!

If you think you are being followed in your car, try to alert others by flashing your lights and sounding your horn. Make as much noise as possible. If you can, keep driving until you come to a busy place.

In Isshinryu we learn the best self defense is balance: balanced mind, balanced body. Stay calm, and use whatever you can to your advantage. Always be aware of your surroundings. Great tips!
Oh, and nothing beats a good X block and H block either. With guns and knives twist into the hand.

Those are some good tips. I think I've read some of them before.

I always have someone with me if I'm out at night. This isn't the nicest town. When I turn 21 I'm going to get a handgun permit. My cousin has one and we were just talking about that this weekend. My boyfriend is going to get one soon as well. For now I just carry a knife in my pocket. It's not much, but it's all I got. My boyfriend won't let me leave without it.

Another thing, I don't know if someone has said it before, but if you're out walking (or jogging, or whatever) take your dog with you. Especially if it's a big dog. Criminals will be less likely to approach you if they think they might get mauled. They mainly look for the most vulnerable person, and the chick walking the Rottweiler isn't that person.

I see alot of people talking about martial arts and weapons and size advantages, but I can assure you most of the time everything you learn goes right out the window. And for the big guys, there's always someone bigger than you lol.

For instance, just last year in my junior year of HS, I was cornered by 5 guys in the subway station, they made a circle around me and demanded my watch, wallet and cellphone. I'm a pretty big guy as well 5'11 and 230 lbs (a bit fat) and have also taken martial arts, 1st dan in judo. But these guys were the size of trees, at least a half head taller than me, and w/e I could do, I couldn't defend myself against all of them.

I ended up headbutting one of them in the mouth as I tried to run, and thank god for the added security after 9/11, I ran into a cop and told him what happened, but I didn't stick around, I gtfo fast. I was lucky I wasn't shot or stabbed and only ended up with a brusied forehead

My tips

- Try not to have a mentality that you won't get attacked, even if you're big, have a weapon or do martial arts. It just adds more to the shock value if you do. So always be alert

- Also, not trying to be racist here but, if you are going to an area where it's not dominated by your race or otherwise a very busy area, always be on the lookout and dont walk next to big groups or attract attention to yourself. I was an asian guy, walking round in Jamaica NY at night. If you ask me, I was asking to get robbed. But this can work the other way around too, if your a black person and you walk around say Chinatown at night, I'm sure you will get cornered as well.

Well thats all I got to say, keep safe people.

Jab the attacker in the eye with your fingers as hard as you can. This will make it easier for you to fight him off. As well, all women should carry Mace or Pepper spray. It should be mandatory in the world we live in today. As well if you are attacked scream and make as loud a sound as you can to be heard.

Another one is this. If you are kidnapped and taken away by a psycho don't be submissive and give into their orders in hoping that by obeying them they will sympathize and let you go. Fight like mad, like a cornered badger. Imagine yourself turning into a wild animal and bite scratch...do whatever to get away.

DarkShadow is right, having learn a simple and basic martial arts can improve the damage. I myself is an asian male, 1m81cm and 100kg, big enough for my people. I applied for an amateur wrestling championship and walk home a runner up. Still, I maintan some awareness, even in the most relaxed place without having to be worried so much...simply be aware and always notice the environment. With my stature, it seems that I can walk anywhere safely, right? Wrong. I was bullied once and I fought back. I choked the attacker until he fainted after I kick his knee joint. He was surprised and dropped his knife. I ran quickly to get nearest assistant. The guy ended up almost being beaten to death by angry people, had the police not come and stop it. I kinda feel sorry for the attacker, tho. But yeah, I quickly get rid of the feeling as he wouldn't feel that way towards me for the first time.

I always carry keys everywhere I go and a set of ropes or cords. Since I'm a lawyer, I also always carry a pen. And to me, this pen is a weapon at best.

For you who's interested, try look for videos in Youtube about this: Krav Maga. It's an Israeli self defence method using the simplest moves.

My bf and I were talking about some of this the other night.

He never has any thing to worry about, people don't bother him... he's 6'3" 220 and athletic, and frankly if anyone bothered him, they'd have to be nuts.

Anyway, I'm honestly non-violent, I won't carry weapons, but I have no problems running away or making an attempt to get away. I don't know martial arts, and will probably never learn (there are reasons why too, but that's beside the point)

He taught me a neat-o move that some folks may not know... if someone grabs your hands (try this with a friend) and you quickly and forcefully rotate them toward the holders thumbs, you'll break right out of their grasp. If you hold your own hands out and turn them toward your thumbs, you'll see that the rotation is limited. It's a good "get away" move.

^Yes, that's some of my technique. I have some more that is very handy and easy especially for smaller and weaker people. It's all natural, I learned it from my Grappling class and Muay Thai (Thai Kickboxing) class.

Here's an easy one, whenever someone holds you or circle their hands around your waist from behind, step as hard as you can on one of his foot, this will make them bend a little bit, thus loosen their hold a little bit, quickly deliver a headtbutt with the back your head to his nose, this will seriously loosen his grab, and you can flee yourself, but if he hasn't release you yet, exactly the moment after you hit his nose, quicklt deliver a strong elbow attack to his gut or chest, this will (hopely) releasy you from his arm, repeat randomly if he doesn't let go. Eventually he will be knocked out if he insisted to hold you.

or if someone bear grabs you from behind can't you just grab there balls and squeeze or use your heels to hit their balls

I have a pistol in my dash board plus pepper spray and im a black belt in karate

And if you read this thread from the beginning, it's for WOMEN. I'm here to providing them some tips on how to bring a male attacker down.

Interesting but when some one is pointing a gun in your face you wont remember even one rule. If people want to feel secure go to a self defence class and rienforce so that the rules are a reaction not an idea.

^Well if you're pointing a gun in front of a well-trained person with good reaction, especially on their face at point blank, it's actually very very dangerous. The person might go sideways and crack your elbow or break your fingers by twisting the gun violently.

But yeah, I'd agree with you. Go to martial art classes to learn the correct timing and the proper reaction.

Wow, who knew that I would get this much of a response on this topic, WOW! Tonight is the first time I logged on to UM since posting this, I have been super busy! I'm so glad there we so many replies, and thanks for sharing all of your stories...its funny until I read this forward (yes it was a forward) I always thought if I had been attacked I would do whatever the attacker said, just so I would stay alive, I hope I never get attacked but if I do then I'll be well informed. THANKS FOR YOUR STORIES AND TIPS

NOTE TO SELF keep a 4" stilletto in my purse

yea its really going to be weird for me to do all these things because I grew up in a VERY small town (1 sq. mile!) and we grew up knowing EVERYONE on our block (even everyone at the old peoples home!) and we kept our doors unlocked and everything, nothing happened, the people here grew up and got into drugs, and so now we double lock all of our doors, so yea, so far nothing has happened to me, but it might someday

A good pistolero would never present his gun outstretched, within reach of an aggressor. That's Hollywood.
Ditto, holding a semi-auto pistol sideways and upside down and all that "gangsta" drek. Grasping a semi-auto pistol loosely, or denying it the natural resistance of your arm, may cause it to malfunction.
Keep the pistol at the height of your stomach, close to you, and face your aggressor squarely. Aim for his center mass. Be prepared to shoot twice quickly.
There are many good pistolcraft schools throughout the nation. Ask a local gunshop.
I'm 52 and have limited physical capabilities. For me, a pistol is the best defense. If you're young and can dedicate the time, martial arts are good. No doubt about that. Dirty street fighting is also good: raking down the aggressor's shins with your instep, bonking him with stiletto heels, a kick to the nards, a straight thrust to the Adam's Apple, straight kito the knee, tearing off his or her earring, etc. And when he's down, continue kicking or beating for a few more licks, just to be sure. He or she may be cowering and recover quickly.
Make him hurt. Make him think twice about ever attacking another stranger.