| Self defense is not only about retaliating against | | | | authoritative tone is bound to have a psychological |
| an attack but also about avoiding a potentially life | | | | effect on the attacker. It might not entirely save |
| threatening situation. It's important to be prepared | | | | you but will help in reducing the impact of the |
| at all the times and prevent the situation rather | | | | attack as he will feel he is up against a tough |
| than get trapped and then try and get out of it. | | | | person. If you do not have the misfortune of |
| Here are some basic points which can be very | | | | encountering a hardened criminal, most small time |
| useful as tactics for self defense: | | | | thieves and robbers will get intimidated by a |
| 1) Be Alert: If you are walking down an unknown | | | | strong, loud authoritative voice. |
| or isolated area always be very vigilant. People | | | | 5) Fight back if needed: Know the basics of |
| are often caught off-guard when some stranger | | | | putting up a fight in case it's needed, its of course |
| attacks them. Cross the road to move on to the | | | | the last option. His weakest areas are your |
| other side if you see a group of people who | | | | strongest targets. Face, eyes and groin are the |
| make you uncomfortable. | | | | areas you should go for; keep the keys handy |
| 2) Do not be scared: Once you feel that you are | | | | they can serve as a great weapon when you |
| caught in a situation which you cannot escape do | | | | attack his face. Screaming while you kick or fight |
| not let fear paralyze you, at least appear brave | | | | back is also a very good option as it can attract |
| to the attacker. This can be a little tough but | | | | attention of the people within earshot. |
| nothing boosts the attacker more than a person | | | | Be confident in the face of an attack, if you are |
| who seems to have given up. | | | | shaking like a leaf it'll make the attacker go far |
| 3) Don't Give up: People often get attacked and | | | | beyond his intended purpose of attack, easier said |
| survive the attacks, it doesn't necessarily mean | | | | than done but mental preparation will definitely |
| that your life will end there and then. Concentrate | | | | make you fight back if such an even happens. |
| your efforts on figuring out a way to get out of | | | | Apart from this make sure that you always take |
| the situation and not how doomed you are since | | | | the crowded routes even during the day as |
| you are there at that time. Do not ever think | | | | daylight no longer scares off the attackers. In the |
| your fate is left in the hand of the attacker. | | | | night prefer to have company while you move |
| 4) Use an authoritative voice: A confident and | | | | around at odd times. |