You should always know how to defend yourself if certain situations, and proper self-defense is a useful skill to have. In fact, many college and university campuses have begun offering rape aggression defense, or R.A.D. courses to female campus residents to help keep the safe. Knowing what to do in a potentially dangerous situation can help you stay in control and keep safe. There are certain self-defense techniques that everyone should know, and most have as much to do with avoidance as they do defense.
Reduce Your Risk
Avoidance is one of the most important self-defense techniques, according to KidsHealth.org, a division of the Nemours Foundation. Don't put yourself in any type of situation where your safety is compromised. That means always staying with a group of friends, not walking alone at night, not wearing obvious jewelry and never being alone with someone that you don't fully trust. Always be on the lookout for potential problems, whether you're jogging through a park or are at a crowded party.
Make a Plan
If you sense danger, quickly make a plan. SafetyForWomen.com recommends trying to change your route and getting ready for a fight-or-flight defense. Don't panic if you notice something isn't right; calmly make a plan of attack, whether it's knocking on a stranger's door as if you've reached your destination, or getting ready to aggressively fight an attacker. Panicking will only leave your scrambling for a way out when you could be defending yourself.
Use Your Voice
Before you even need to use your body as a way to fight, try using your voice. Loudly yelling at your attacker can draw attention to you and make him feel embarrassed when around other people. If someone is harassing you, the University of Chicago recommends loudly yelling, "Leave me alone!" or "Go away!" If this still doesn't detract your aggressor, try yelling something that will get everyone's attention, like "Help!" or "Fire!" This could be enough for your attacker to get scared and leave you alone.
Protect Yourself
If the need arises, you should be able to protect yourself physically against the threat of an attacker. Remember key sensitive areas that can immobilize someone. First, a swift kick to the groin can immobilize a man, and a throat punch can stop anyone in their tracks, according to Boise, Idaho, martial arts academy A Warrior's Way. You might also try to strike the eyes, which are sensitive and will start tearing, allowing you to get away safely.
Bring Protection
When traveling alone, the U.S. Department of Transportation recommends bringing along self-defense devices like pepper spray or a loud whistle. Allowed even through airport security, these items can help you alert others and make a safe getaway without having to fight.
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