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Top tips to help you "foil" a mugger or rapist revealed.
Many attacks begin with the attacker engaging in some form of verbal exchange, which we call an "interview". The "interview" is where the criminal decides if you are safe to attack. With all violence, the assailant's safety is a critical factor in deciding whether or not he will attack. The attack will often take place in a " fringe" area where you are close to people, but out of range of immediate help, for example, leaving the main shopping area to an underground car park, stairwells, toilets in shopping malls even an isolated room at a party in someones house.
The criminal will often approach you under the guise of normalcy, i.e., needing information or small item (e.g. matches). This is a distraction. While he is talking, he is not only getting in position to attack, but
a) checking your awareness about what he is doing and
b) your commitment to defending yourself.
This is one "interview" you want to fail.
This is why you should always be careful when someone approaches you in a fringe area and asks for something. Your answer should always be "no" and insist on him keeping his distance.
Both muggers and stranger rapists often use this technique.
Here are some top tips to help keep you safe
Personal Awareness : Your first line of defence.
• The first, and probably the most important, part of self defence is personal awareness.
• Awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and any potential threat or danger.
• Remember, a criminal almost always adopts the element of surprise to their advantage
• Studies have shown that criminals will choose targets who appear to be unaware of their surroundings and what is going on around them.
• By being alert, confident and aware of your surroundings most confrontations can be avoided.
• Always glance back whenever you leave a "fringe" area to see who is behind you.
• True self defence begins long before any actual physical contact starts.
• Good social distance is not good self defence distance so do not let anyone your are unsure of closer than 5 feet.in a "fringe" area.
If you have to strike, strike first, strike hard
• Many women worry that they will anger the attacker and get hurt even worse if they defend themselves but statistics clearly show that your odds of survival are far greater if you do fight back.
• Aim for the 'T' area of your attacker. (The 'T' is an imaginary letter drawn on your attacker - horizontally from one eye to the other and vertically down the bridge of the nose to the groin. Hit your attacker anywhere in the 'T' with as much force as you can muster and he is going down.
• Remember you may only get one chance to stop an attack, so use the element of surprise to your advantage and make your strike count.
Get away - FAST
• Never go with an attacker who demands that you go with him?
• It may be in a car or into a deserted side street or into a hedgerow (Police call this a secondary location). It would seem prudent to do as you are told but it should be remembered that you are far more likely to be killed or seriously hurt if you go with your attacker than if you run away or defend yourself.
• Studies show that trying to negotiate, trick or talk your way out of a situation where a person is intent on violence seldom works.
• At the first opportunity - escape. Run away, scream for help or better still shout "Fire". Run to people and lights and noise.
• Research has shown that more people will come to your aid or to see what is going on if you shout "Fire" than if you shout "Help". Do whatever you can to attract attention to yourself and your situation. Attackers do not want to be identified or disturbed, so let's not make it easy for them.
• If your attacker is after your personal belongings be it your handbag, car keys or jewellery, let them have it by throwing it in the opposite direction of where you run.
There is a saying that violence is rarely the answer but when it is, it is the only answer. Be prepared and learn how to defend yourself.
For more information on Self Defence Courses or for more FREE TIPS call Gerry on 670 268 288 or visit www.costasafety.com | 
