Self-defence tips you need to remember

While the festive season draws closer and we gear up to get into holiday mode, it is important to be alert of your personal safety at all times.

Anti-domestic and gender-based violence organisation Silent Rights offered several self-defence safety tips should you find yourself in a situation where you have to defend yourself.

The organisation, established in 2020, also aims to bring women from all walks of life together to support and help each other and unify them against the fight against women abuse.

– Improve your body language

Walk and move with confidence by standing tall with your chin up and shoulders back.

– Use eye-contact

Using eye contact will let potential aggressors know that you are aware they are there, avoiding eye contact could show that you are intimidated and could lead to you being seen as an easy target.

– Go with your gut instinct

Learn to read what is referred to as your gut instinct. It is often not wrong. Should you find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself, trust your intuition.

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– Be aware of your environment

If you see potential danger, you can either avoid it or be prepared to defend yourself. Stick to well-lit areas and do not get distracted by scrolling through social media but look for exits or alternative paths.

– Negotiate out of a situation

Be confident and practice what you would say if you had to talk your way out of a potential situation – mentioning that you have family and/or friends nearby or talking to someone on the phone and letting them know exactly where you are can act as a deterrence for the would-be attacker.

– Learn safe boundaries

If an attacker comes into your personal space, do not be reluctant or hesitant to take action. It is important to have safe boundaries.

– Use your voice

One of the most valuable assets when it comes to self-defence is your voice – take a deep breath and yell “NO” or “STOP” as loudly as you can. This will not only draw attention to your situation and potentially get you help, but it can also startle the attacker.

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– Make it difficult

Get light on your feet and move around as much as possible, but try not to be a deer caught in headlights. If there is more than one attacker, pick one to focus on and move around using them as a shield between you and the other attacker. Should you find yourself on the floor, roll around and use your body as a deadweight – this will make it harder for someone to move you.

– Know vital target areas

Know which areas of the attacker’s body to target – eyes, ears, temples, nose, throat, groin and knees.

– Learn self-defence

The best way to learn how to physically defend yourself is to head to a self-defence class – you will not only get to meet with other people, get fit and have fun, but you will also learn practical tips and tricks that will leave you feeling more confident if you ever feel threatened.

Remember, size does not always matter, but if the attacker is larger and stronger than you, use what you do have to your advantage – voice, agility, wit, etc.

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