Women's self-defense has become popular as a specialized field of self-defense. There are several ways you can help yourself or others feel safer and be safer, including taking a self-defense class. An important part of learning self-defense is to not learn purely from fear-based techniques, as these can have the unintended effect of actually making you more frightened of your surroundings and possibly even easier to attack.
Attitude
Part of self-defense is learning techniques that will help reduce the odds of an attack. Don't be afraid to trust your own gut instincts about a situation. Assertiveness and the ability to handle verbal confrontation are also important and can defuse a fight before it starts. These skills can be taught even if you think you are shy. A 2004 study found that self-defense classes improved women's abilities to defend themselves not only physically but also verbally.
Safety Devices
Certain devices are easy to carry and may scare or injure attackers long enough for you to get away. Some devices work better than others. For example, a whistle or noisemaker might attract attention, but it might not bring people to your aid and takes away time that you could use to defend yourself. Chemical sprays, like pepper spray, are easy to carry but might not work on everyone. Stun guns are also available, but they don't automatically stop attackers in their tracks--it takes a few seconds of full contact between the stun gun and the attacker's skin to fully disable someone. Chemical sprays and stun guns are illegal in some states, and you may need a license to possess them or have to take a class on proper use before purchasing them. You do have to know how to use these weapons quickly, otherwise an attacker may be able to snatch them and turn them on you.
Classes
One of the best ways to learn self-defense is to take a class in self-defense techniques. Several venues host specialized women's defense classes. Classes are often available at women's centers and on college campuses. These classes specialize in dealing with attackers in split-second situations, such as a physical assault. General martial arts classes can also help you learn defense techniques and also increase your self-confidence. Short reviews of some the many women's self-defense classes are available at Girls Fight Back! and the National Coaliton Against Sexual Assault has some more general guidelines about what to look for in a woman's self-defense class.
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