Whether you’re new to self-defense or are looking to brush up on your skills, knowing what to do in an emergency will keep you safe if the worst ever happens. The proper tips are particularly helpful if you’re needing to protect yourself against an attacker who wants to hurt or subdue you. Researching and learning the best self-defense tips that can help save your life.
Unfortunately, the world isn’t always as secure as we’d like it to be, and criminals can take advantage of that insecurity. By keeping yourself safe, you may be able to prevent criminal activity from ever happening at all. These tips for self-defense and safety will help keep you protect yourself no matter where you are or what you’re doing:
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the most important tips to protect yourself when out in public is to be aware of your surroundings. This means being alert of your surroundings, staying away from high-crime areas, locking your car doors, and avoiding people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. By paying attention to what’s around you, you can avoid putting yourself in vulnerable situations. Do this by avoiding using electronics and talking on your phone when you’re walking by yourself and generally paying attention to what’s going on around you.
Likewise, when in a crowded place like a concert or movie theater, don’t wear your purse on one shoulder. Keep it across both shoulders or in front of you.
2. Learn More About Human Trafficking
Proper human trafficking awareness is another important part of learning how to defend yourself against this potential threat. Research shows that there are roughly 3 million victims of human trafficking around the world. Almost 21 million people are forced into modern-day slavery as a result of human trafficking.
While human trafficking is an issue that most people know about, a lot of people don’t truly understand how common it is and what they can do to help put an end to it. Make an effort to learn more about human trafficking in your area and the potential warning signs of human trafficking to help you protect yourself and others.
3. Learn Self-Defense
Another step to take to defend yourself is to know basic self-defense. Even if you use caution, there are ways that someone can attack you, so make sure to always be on guard and prepared to use your knowledge of self-defense. For example, moves like kicking the groin, scratching the eyes, and stomping on an attacker’s feet are basic moves to escape a dangerous situation.
Practice these self-defense moves regularly to make sure they become part of your muscle memory. If you’re hoping to improve your ability to defend yourself, consider taking professional self-defense courses.
4. Call for Help
If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, don’t hesitate to call for help. When someone else is present and able to contact police and emergency services (such as a security guard or visitor), that person should be your first priority.
If possible, ask that person to stay with you while they make those calls. If someone is not present, call out to people who may be nearby; there could be people around who can help. You might also consider using your mobile phone or smartphone if you can get to it, but remember: never attempt anything risky alone and never use your phone when it might distract from an emergency situation.
5. Avoid Traveling Alone
To avoid being a victim, avoid traveling alone. The more people in your group, the less likely it is that you’ll be targeted. Moreover, traveling with multiple people can protect you against physical assault or theft. If you must travel alone (or with only one other person), maintain awareness of what’s going on around you–whether you’re walking in a parking lot or taking public transportation. If there is anything unusual happening in your surroundings, find an alternative route or move to a safer location.
6. Use Social Media Carefully
While social media may seem like a harmless way to communicate with your friends and family, these channels can put you at risk for theft–online or in person. Many criminals will try to infiltrate your accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and other sites to gain access to information they can use to steal your identity or track your whereabouts through your posts. By changing your password frequently and watching the kind of information you share, you can protect yourself from potential threats.
7. Carry Pepper Spray
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting yourself. Pepper spray is a non-lethal, non-toxic substance that can immobilize an attacker when sprayed into their eyes or face. You can purchase various sizes of pepper spray on Amazon for less than $10.
Have your pepper spray at your side in case of an emergency. If you are being followed by someone who may intend harm, keep the pepper spray handy and run to an area with other people around. Keep checking behind you as you move away from them, using the pepper spray if necessary. If you have no choice but to be alone in a dangerous situation, spraying them with pepper spray will give you time to get away safely without having to escalate further yourself.
It’s no secret that crime rates are on the rise in most major cities in the United States and with that comes an increase in instances of violence and acts of aggression towards others. Keep this guide in mind to avoid the threat of human trafficking and abduction.
