General safety precautions:4selfdefence

for avoiding physical confrontations

Avoid confrontation

No matter how confident or skilled we become it is much safer to avoid confrontation and injury in the first instance.

Take preventive measures to avoid a confrontation completely if possible , no one wins in a physical battle, you either end up with physical injuries or mentally feeling remorse at the outcome.
If the people you hang out with are always looking for trouble and try to talk you into doing things you are uncomfortable with, avoid them and find some real friends who care about your safety. 

• If that means crossing the street to avoid a situation, do it.
•  
• If it means bowing out of an argument with an aggressive friend or stranger, do it.
•  
• If it means handing over your valuables to a robber, do it and flee.
•  
• Avoid going into an alley, car or abandoned building with the offender; do whatever it takes to flee.

General safety precautions - Violent offenders

The non-violent offender doesn't want to be noticed; he wants to get your valuable and moved on. If an attacker tries to get you into a secluded area or his car, his intentions are not to take your possessions and run, his intentions will most likely be to bash, sexually abuse or possibly kill you. Sexual attacks are about power and control. Get away as soon as possible.

• Use verbal enforcement. You are fighting for your life and the noise you make can save your life.
• Yell out a loud angry NO to the potential assailant. Not only will you catch the attacker off guard, you'll more than likely get the attention of other people in the area.
• Yell out fire rather than rape because this has been proven more likely to attract instant attention
• Attract attention if you are in trouble but don’t rely on help arriving as it may be too late or not coming at all.
• If necessary use combat skills to escape

Don’t assume

• Don’t assume that all offenders are men in balaclava.
• Don’t assume that all offenders are strangers. 
   

Don't be a creature of habit

Change your habits regularly as this will reduce the risk of you becoming a victim to crime because you are limiting any offender’s opportunity against you.

General Precautions on the street

• If you suspect that someone is following you, by foot or in a car, don’t go home (or they will know where you live). Go to a trusted neighbor or to a public place to call police, or directly to police station
  Don’t hitchhike
• Be very careful using outside ATM's at night or in unfamiliar surroundings
• When on the street, walk facing oncoming traffic. It will be harder for someone to pull you into a car and abduct you
• Tell someone where you’ll be and what time you’re supposed to return, or if you will be with someone you don’t know well
• Try to not overload yourself with packages
• Do not wear music headphones while walking or jogging
• Do not read while walking or standing on the street
• If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched Otherwise you may be hurt if the attacker knocks you down and drags you while fleeing with your purse
• You should not carry your money or ID in a shoulder bag
  If someone asks you for directions, remain at least two meters away if you choose to reply
• High heels and tight skirts are hard to run and fight in. Scarves and necklaces are easy to grab
• Avoid walking alone at night if possible
• Avoid drugs and alcohol
• When dropping someone off at their home, make sure they are safely inside before driving away. Have them do the same for you 

 General Safety Precautions in your car

• Make sure that your car is serviced and will not break down
• 
  Plan your route before you start and check a map before you start
• 
  Learn basic auto maintenance
• 
  Don’t let your fuel gauge fall below ¼
• 
  Check inside both front and back to make sure no one is hiding in it
• 
  Don’t pick up hitchhikers
• 
  Only give your car key to a mechanic, not your house keys
• 
  If you are on your own and see an accident, report it by mobile phone
• 
  Carry in your car a flashlight, maps, spare tyre, first aid kit and mobile phone

The above precautions are only a guide to safety. You must take whatever precautions you deem necessary.

Conclusion: avoidance is the best form of defense, don’t assume and don’t be a creature of habit, do everything possible not to be dragged into secluded place or car, scream, shout fire, run, scratch, punch, kick and eye gouge. Do whatever you have to, to escape.