The Self Defense Challenge

The other day I was having dinner with a friend of mine. While we were dining, the conversation drifted to the topic of self-defense. My friend asked me a very good question: "Sue, what would you do if you were attacked while you were in the shower, while you are in a very vulnerable state?" This struck me as a very good question, and got me thinking, "What WOULD I do if I was in this situation?" Thinking about self-defense in these situations helps one develop countermeasures that can be used in many different situations. Having a set of defensive measures in mind that are applicable in many different situations helps one be better prepared. While you can never be 100% prepared in all situations, by having an awareness mindset you are better equipped than most people.

Back to my friend's hypothetical scenario: When you are in the shower, you still most likely have access to everyday items which could easily be used as weapons. For example, shower bottles, razors, combs, or anything else that is reasonably solid can be used to strike an attacker in vulnerable areas such as the eyes, nose, and throat. The key is to be aware of your surroundings and to always consider that you can almost, in all situations, easily arm yourself to improve your chances of successfully defending against an attacker.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

Last weekend I attended a Take Back the Night march/ rally and candle light vigil in support of raising awareness of violence against women and children: domestic violence, sexual assault and rape. I believe it’s extremely important to support organizations and events like these that draw attention to these violent acts. People need to become aware of the high prevalence of these crimes. I’m placing the link to Take Back the Night on my recommended site list. In addition to that link I’m also placing the link for Silent Witness National Initiative, an organization that is dedicated to reducing domestic violence in turn reducing domestic murders. Ladies, domestic violence affects people of all ages, races, cultures, religions, sexual and educational backgrounds. Many women and children have had their lives taken by men that they loved and trusted: husbands, boyfriends, sons, brothers. Remember…Your husband may not always be your husband. Your boyfriend may not always be your boyfriend. As women we need to take responsibility for our own safety. We need to educate ourselves so that we are our own protectors.

Men Can Stop Rape Too!

A couple of days ago I stumbled across a couple of websites one called: Men Can Stop Rape and Men Stopping Rape. Both are organizations that provide resources and education to men to create a world free of violence against women. Interesting. Why should all the burden of violence and rape prevention solely fall on the woman? Men need to start taking ownership of their behaviors and actions. Not just the men that commit rape, but all men. Men need to start working with women to end violence and create effective communication between the sexes. Our society has somehow developed a culture that supports sexism, harassment, violence and sexual assault against women, in many overt and subtle ways.
Men: Your mission if you choose to accept it. Be proactive in the fight against violence and sexual assault against women. Don’t use words that degrade women like bitch, whore etc., it sends a message to our society that women aren’t equal. Speak out when you hear other men saying derogatory comments about women. Respect women’s boundaries. Finally, teach your sons to do the same. If we don’t change how our society views women, then the violence, sexual assaults, rape, and domestic violence will continue.
Remember every women is someone’s mother, someone’s wife, someone’s daughter or someone’s sister. How would you feel if that “someone” was you?

Beware of Date Rape Drugs, A.K.A. “Predator Drugs”

We have all heard it before, on TV and in the papers, a drug slipped into the drink of an unsuspecting victim. The victim later awakes unable to recall any events of the past several hours or longer and believes a sexual assault was committed against them. Sounds frightening, but the reality of it is that the use of date rape drugs are becoming an epidemic.

Don’t place yourself into a situation you don’t deserve. Follow some tips to protect yourselves. For example: never accept a drink from someone you don’t trust. Never leave your drink unattended or turn away from your drink (remember it only takes a second for someone to put something in it). Do not drink from open sources such as punch bowls or pitchers, because it might already be spiked. Don’t drink anything that tastes or smells strange and always have a trusted non-drinking friend with you. Also, if for any reason you believe you or a friend have been drugged- seek help immediately.

Padded Assailant Training

When choosing a women's self defense class, choose one that incorporates padded assailant training. This training allows you to give full force strikes to key areas i.e. head, neck, torso and groin to a mock attacker. This attacker wears protective head, chest and groin gear to prevent/minimize injury to him or herself. Training/fighting back under pressure is essential, because it accustoms the student to the rush of emotions and physical symptoms brought on by the adrenaline rush/adrenaline dumping. By simulating real attacks, women can better prepare themselves for real life situations.

Introduction

Hi Everyone!
I wanted to share a little info about my new blog. I'm Sue, the owner of FierceFemale.com and each week I will be adding a new post about various women's self defense topics. I encourage everyone to leave comments. If there are certain topics you would like to discuss, please feel free to leave comments to this post. Thanks! - Sue