Self-Defense
Healthy Living, 2015
Q: What does self-defense mean to you?
A: Self-defense means doing everything possible to
avoid fighting someone who threatens or attacks you.
Self-defense is all about using your smarts — not your
fists.
Q: What is intuition?
A: Knowing or sensing something, perceptive insight,
sense of something that is not immediately evident or
deducible. *Trust your instincts!
Q: What is de-escalation?
A: De-escalating a situation means speaking or acting
in a way that can prevent things from getting worse
*The classic example of de-escalation is giving a robber your money rather
than trying to fight or run. But de-escalation can work in other ways, too. For
example, if someone harasses you when there's no one else around, you can
de-escalate things by agreeing with him or her. You don't have to actually
believe the taunts, of course, you're just using words to get you out of a tight
spot. Then you can redirect the bully's focus ("Oops, I just heard the bell for
third period"), and calmly walk away from the situation.
Q: What is the most important part of selfdefense?
A: Reducing risk and prevention. Don't get into a
situation where you could be hurt.
The National Council for Crime Prevention has
some great tips-•
Understand your surroundings. Walk or hang out in
areas that are open, well lit, and well traveled. Become
familiar with the buildings, parking lots, parks, and other
places you walk. Pay particular attention to places where
someone could hide —
such as stairways and bushes.
• Avoid shortcuts that take you through isolated
areas.
• If you're going out at night, travel in a group.
• Make sure your friends and parents know your daily schedule (classes,
sports practice, club meetings, etc.). If you go on a date or with friends for an
after-game snack, let someone know where you're going and when you expect
to return.
• Check out hangouts. Do they look safe? Are you comfortable being there?
Ask yourself if the people around you seem to share your views on fun activities
— if you think they're being reckless, move on.
• Be sure your body language shows a sense of confidence. Look like you
know where you're going and act alert.
• When riding on public transportation (bus, subway), sit near the driver and
stay awake. Attackers are looking for vulnerable targets.
• Carry a cell phone if possible. Make sure it's programmed with your
parents' phone number.
• Be willing to report crimes in your neighborhood and school to the police.
Making Judgments: Good Idea or
Bad Idea…
1) You are going to visit a college you might want to attend. You have
never been to the campus before so you’re following a map you printed
out. Your cell phone is in your pocket along with your keys. It is two days
after Christmas and everyone at the school is on Christmas break. The
only other people on campus are some construction workers.
Good idea or bad idea?
How could you make this situation more safe and reduce risk?
2) You just had finals at an evening class, but you went overtime. It is 9:30
pm and you’re driving home. You need to buy pet food, so you stop at WalMart. The parking lot, as usual, is full, so you park at the far end. After you
finish shopping, you come out of the store, your hands carrying bags and
your keys in your pocket.
Good idea or bad idea?
How could you make this situation more safe and reduce risk?
3) You are walking your dog. You see a car drive slowly into your
neighborhood. It looks like the person in the passenger seat is taking
pictures of your next-door neighbor's house. You go home and call the
police tip line and give a description of the vehicle as well as the license
plate.
Good idea or bad idea?
Note: It is always good to be alert. For all you know, the person in
the car could have been a realtor taking pictures because your
neighbor was planning to sell the house soon, or, it could be
someone planning to break in while your neighbor goes on
vacation. Remember, always pay attention to your surroundings
and be alert!
Physical Defense
Healthy Living, 2015
Q: What do you do if someone physically attacks you?
Yell a loud,
“NO!”
Do not panic or freeze. Look for escape routes, be ready to
run as fast as you can and find help.
Q: What are your strongest body parts?
A: Elbows, knees, and head. They're your body's bony built-in weapons.
Q: What are some makeshift weapons you can use to potentially protect
yourself?
A: Keys, pens, dirt, sand, perfume, hairspray (can throw or spray in an
attacker's eyes)
Resources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWYGfdrV_fY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHsg7-hdoNQ
Sources—
http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/self_defense.html
National Crime Prevention Council http://www.ncpc.org/