[HotDamnImAPhiMu]

Hi ladies --

My father's a federal agent, and from growing up with him and attending class after class of self-defence techniques and rape prevention talks, I wanted to help dispell some of the myths:

- There is no evidence to support the idea that an attacker will go after a woman wearing overalls or with a certain (or long) hairstyle. The single best indicator is the way a woman carries herself -- is she aware of her surroundings? Walking confidantly, as if she has somewhere to be? Making eye contact? etc.

- Mace, pepper spray, etc. are often used against the woman. Typically an attacker is stronger than the attackee, and is able to overwhelm the woman and gain control of her "weapon." Best defence: a personal alarm. Increasingly police are finding that women who employ use of a whistle are suffering dental problems after the attacker hits the woman in the mouth (source of the noise.) Pull the cord/push the button on the alarm and throw it in the bushes. An attacker will often seek to silence the alarm initially, giving you time to get away.

- Do not bit an attacker. Two reasons: (1) this is a great way to transmit disease and (2) time and time again has proven to be an instigator like NONE OTHER when dealing with a man who wishes to control his victim.

- Do not let yourself be taken to a "secondary location" -- a car, his apartment, etc. Your chances for survival decrease dramatically. Your chances of getting away, even if he claims to have a weapon, are much greater in public.


An incredible book to read on this subject is The Gift of Fear, by Gavin de Becker.



geek love! stay safe.
~ Jacquelyn.