Just thinking about these plans isn’t enough. Going through the actual physical motions every time you “practice”, right down to picking up the phone, will help to embed these actions in your subconscious repertoire just as concretely as the actions involved in drawing your firearm, and will make it easier for you to carry them out if you ever need to.

Remember, you’ll be running “on automatic”, so you’d better be programmed to do the right thing.

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Try this, right now while you are reading this: imagine yourself in a victim’s position, with the assailant at the end of your gun. Now say, out loud, “Don’t move!” It might feel a bit silly, and sound a little weak. Take a deeper breath, and say it again, louder and more firmly, “DON’T MOVE!” Did it come out better that time?

If you make this part of your practice sessions, you will find that it gets louder and better, and you become more confident that you’d be able to say those simple words even under the incredible stress of an armed encounter.

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You have access to many everyday objects that can be used in a pinch with devastating effectiveness.

There are many advantages to using everyday objects as weapons.

They are easily accessible. This is important when most attacks are completed in seconds.

Everyday objects are non-threatening. The attacker is more likely to be caught off-guard by your use of a ballpoint pen as opposed to a knife.

If you are not comfortable with carrying and using more traditional weapons such as pepper spray or a gun, you probably would not think twice about carrying a couple ounces of cologne in a spray vial.

Unlike guns, no laws restrict your ability to carry a ballpoint pen or keys.

As any prison guard will tell you, with creativity and imagination nearly everything can be turned into a weapon.

In the event of attack, you want something you can use quickly and effectively.

Since you will not have time to rummage through your pocketbook, make it a practice to hold something in your hand that you can use to defend yourself.

Other everyday objects that can be effectively used as weapons defense include spray perfume or cologne.

Perfume or cologne in a spray vial can be used like pepper spray. Aim it at your attacker’s eyes. Then use the precious seconds to run.

Hot liquids thrown at your attacker’s face such as coffee and tea are effective, too.

Keys can be used to scratch a face, poke out an eye or stuffed into the soft tissue of his throat.

Throwing a coin away from you will distract your attacker for the few seconds you need for escape.

Lastly, a ballpoint pen can be jammed into his throat, groin, or eyes with devastating impact.

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These substances can work the same magic as mace or pepper spray.  A little squirt in the eyes will be just painful enough to allow you to get away from your attacker.

Just keep it in your hand as you walk down the street, so you won’t have time to rifle through your purse.

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Every situation is different and you have to use your best instincts. But in general, it’s a good idea to fight back when you find yourself in an attack situation.  Women who fight back are injured less often and are more successful in stopping the attack no matter what kind of attack it is.  They feel better about themselves afterwards too.

People who’ve never been in a situation where they wanted to fight often think that they couldn’t fight, but you will find, if you’re faced with a life or death situation, that it’s very easy to fight. But you need to know how to fight back in order for that instinct to be effective.  You need to break through that emotional barrier you’ve instilled and be confident that you have the ability to protect yourself.

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It is really fun to dress up with fun jewelry and gorgeous shoes, but they make you easy prey.

Conspicuous jewelry and clothing brings attention to you and opens yourself up to an attack if you flaunt it while walking down the street.  If you are wearing expensive jewelry, take measures to cover it up.  Flashing a huge diamond or expensive earrings is just an invitation for a robber to mug you and take that jewelry.

It’s a drag that so much fashionable women’s attire makes you a sitting duck for a mugger or other street criminal. Stilettos flatter, but they also make it hard for you to run. Same with tight skirts.

This self defense tip alone can prevent a lot of trouble.

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The first rule in self-defense is to not put yourself into a situation that would put you in danger. And the easiest way to do that is to stay aware of people in your surroundings.

Not surprisingly, criminals exhibit predatory behavior in preparing to attack. They will try to pick a casual location to look for their prey. They will look at with their intended victim far more and for longer periods of time than social norms. They will move when the prey moves.

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Self-defense training helps with everyday assertiveness and boundary setting as well as preparing you to fight back in physical attacks. Women’s self defense training incorporate an understanding of the kinds of violence most often experienced by women and the common social and psychological barriers women face in learning to fight back.

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