Chisimdi Nzotta
More often than not, women face dangers that men will never face perhaps because we are thought to be vulnerable. To make matters worse, we get the blames. Where were you? Why were you there? Why were you alone? You should have known. You shouldn’t have… . The blame keeps coming and of course, there is the infamous ‘What were you wearing?’
Sadly, since this is the case, you have to learn to be your own keeper. Here are effective ways to defend yourself if you are in danger. We, however, hope you never need them.
1.Don’t betray your fear
This is key. In danger, your attacker is most probably counting on your fear and that it will course you to make an irrational decision to his or her advantages. Showing your fear could also convince your attacker, if he/she had some doubts, that you are defenseless. Try not to tremble, lower your face, look tensed or uneasy, or do anything that will make it known that you are panicking. Even if you are, don’t let it show. If you are walking, walk tall and smart.
At the same time, be very conscious of your environment. Is someone following you and making the same bends with you? Are some people whispering suspiciously or maybe pointing at you? Is there something that doesn’t feel right? Or is it just your instincts telling you something isn’t right?
Don’t ignore the signs till you feel safe again.
2. Run
Do not wait till you are attacked or bundled into a car before you leave the place. Do not wait till you are sure you are in danger. Do not wait to see what the attacker plans to do. Do not wait to challenge him or her. Run as fast and as far as you can. Run to a place there are people you know or somewhere you will be safe then alert people about what is happening.
You may think, ‘ Won’t it be embarrassing to run and then find out I’m just being paranoid and there was no danger?’. Well, it’s better you run and be laughed at than you don’t and be cried for.
3. Scream
When you notice anything going on around you that is detrimental to your comfort or safety and you can’t leave, scream non-stop. Scream your lungs out. Chances are, it will attract people to come to your rescue or make your attacker run away in fear of being discovered. If you are being attacked or you fear you will be attacked, yell, keep yelling. Scream like your life depends on it, your life could actually depend on it. The only time you shouldn’t do this is when your attacker has a weapon. In this case, don’t scream lest he/she harms you in order to shut you up.
4.Fight back
If you can not run or scream, or there is no help coming after you have screamed, fight back. Don’t think you can’t, you can. Your attacker most probably will expect you to be a crying, whimpering, sissy. Fighting back will take him/her by surprise and using it to your advantage is the wisest thing to do.
Give your attacker a straight punch in vulnerable areas – eyes, nose or throat. A kick to the groin will make your attacker go crazy if it’s a man. Groin kicks are horrendously painful and if properly delivered to that delicate area, it will make him go crazy and lose focus for a while. Use the opportunity and escape.
Kick, punch, hit, struggle with all the strength you have. Try not to miss your target.
5. Always Carry Self Defense Weapons
Get self-defense weapons and always carry them with you at all times especially at night or when you will be alone. Some self-defense weapons are, pepper spray which could be used on the eyes of your attacker to temporarily make him/her lose their vision; pen knife which is a knife disguised inside a pen body; self defense keychain which can be used to whip your attacker; stun gun or taser gun which can be used to deliver electric shock and hinder voluntary movement of the muscle, etcetera.
Get any these self-defense weapons available in your location. If not, improvise. Put your creativity to test and the result will surprise you.
Bonus tip: Don’t use your phone or gadgets in place there is likely to be danger.
Don’t let your hair get in the way
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