1. Awareness¹.

 

True self-defence begins long before any actual physical contact: awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and your potential attacker's likely strategies.

 

2. Use your sixth sense. 

 

All of us, especially women, have this gift. Use it to your full advantage. Avoid a person or a situation which does not "feel" safe-you're probably right.

 

3. Self-defense training.

 

The self-defense program should include simulated assaults, with a fully² padded instructor³ in realistic rape⁴ and attack scenarios⁵, to allow you to practice what you've learned.

 

4. Escape.

 

Even if he promises not to hurt you. Yell for help, throw a rock through a store or car window-do whatever you can to attract attention. And if the criminal is after your purse or other material items, throw them one way while you run the other.

 

5. Your right to fight. 

 

Many women worry that they will anger the attacker and get hurt worse if they defend themselves, but statistics clearly show that your odds⁶ of survival are far greater if you do fight back. Aim for the eyes first and the groin second.

 

6. Pepper spray. 

 

Pepper spray can be a useful tool. However, never depend on any self-defence tool to stop an attacker. Trust your body and your wits, which you can always depend on in the event of an attack.

 

7. Home invasions. 

 

The primary way to prevent a home invasion is simply to never, ever open your door unless you are certain you know who's on the other side. 

 

8. Don't appear to be traveling alone. 

 

If someone approaches you and asks, "Is this your first time in Atlanta?" respond with "No, we visit often. We love it here!"

 

9. Choose your accommodations carefully.

 

Choose a national hotel chain with a good safety record. Some hotels now offer women-only floors. Ask for a room above the ground floor, near the elevator, and away from emergency exits and stairwells.

 

10. Be wary⁷ of new friends.

 

Just be wary of the new friends you make, especially anyone not introduced by a business associate. Don't socialize with strangers. Limit your alcohol consumption.

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