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How to stay safe in your car or a cab
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Often we feel safer in our cars or taking a taxi. This frequently is true, but it is good
to have some strategies in mind for defense from a car. Keep in mind that you are more
vulnerable if the attacker is successful I relocating you to unfamiliar territory. Some
choices you have are: offering your wallet, jumping out at a stoplight, doing something to
cause an accident, signaling to other drivers. For physical defense you can poke the
attackers eyes or keep your powerful feet between you and the attacker. Aim kicks for the
head or groin. Remember, there is no "right way" to defend yourself.
Getting help from strangers
Getting help from strangers is not as easy as it once was. People typically respond to a
direct instruction more readily than to a general plea for help. So, to get someone to
call the police for you, it is more effective to yell, "You in the blue shirt, go
call 911 right now!" than it is to scream "Police!" Another important tip
is to make it clear to anyone who can hear you that you do not know the person who is
bothering you. (You can lie about this one if needed - most people will not think a
domestic fight is any of their business.)
Targeting vulnerable points
Every attacker has vulnerable areas on his or her body. The four primary targets on a male
attacker are eyes, groin, throat, and knees. On a woman, there are three: eyes, throat,
and knees. Women who keep in mind that an attacker is not invincible are also using the
idea of vulnerable targets to form an emotional defense. Psychological defenses such as
this also prepares a woman for good physical defense. When she decides to fight, she will
know exactly what to aim for.
Somebody's watching me...
When you think someone is following you, turn around and look to make sure. Looking at a
person, especially if you make eye contact, gives you important information about his
appearance and intent. It also sends him the message that you are alert and therefore will
not be an easy target.
Reprinted as a public service courtesy of the Women's Safety Project
http://www.safetyproject.org/resources.html
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