Posted on: Mon, Jun 2 2008 10:54 AM
Posted by: ducky01
Posts: 153
I don't know of any actual self-defense classes designed specifically for disabled folks, but I have taken self-defense courses before becoming so. Some of the basic guidelines apply whether you are disabled or not:
1) Make every effort to retreat from the threat instead of becoming involved in physical altercation. If you notice someone following you, get yourself to a heavily populated area, or head for the first open establishment that you come across. Let the people there know that you feel you are in danger, and ask them if they will help you. Trust your gut - it's easier to apologize for misunderstanding someone's intentions than it is to have the coroner explain to your family that you were attacked on a dark street by some person that had been following you.
2) If you must use a weapon of any kind, make sure it is one that your attacker will not be able to take and use against you (knife, for example). I recommend keys between fingers for scratching and punching. True, if you open your hand, the keys will fall out and make this weapon useless, so try to keep your fist clenched at all times if you are using this method. If you carry a cane, make sure you keep it tightly gripped so that your attacker cannot take it from you. Do not throw it at your attacker, because then you will not only lose your weapon, but your attacker will be able to gain control of it.
3) If you ARE being attacked, do NOT be shy about swinging your cane or other weapon of convenience as hard as you can. They are trying to hurt you - holding back and only giving them a "love tap" is not going to make them go away. Swing with intent to force them away or disable them so you can escape.
4) Pay attention to your surroundings. Look around at people who are in the area (making eye contact with a would-be attacker can actually be a deterrent, as they know you are taking a good look at them so you can identify them later). Try to avoid being alone in areas that may be considered dangerous, or where you know that there is a high risk of assault/robbery (Dark alleys, secluded areas, high crime areas, etc.). If you are carrying a purse or briefcase, keep it close to your body so that purse-snatchers will not see you as an easy target. Again, if you feel that someone is approaching you in a threatening manner, see #1. Do not just assume that YOU are being paranoid or too cautious, your safety is more important that being embarrassed.
5) Find ways to discourage your attacker before he/she even begins. This will sound strange, and looks even stranger, but I was being followed by someone one evening while out alone, and when it became apparent that he was going to approach me and I would be unable to run away, I began talking to myself as though I were insane. I started talking to the traffic light on the corner, telling it what a pretty color it was, and asking it if it would join me for a drink. The man following me got close enough to hear me, and walked away when he figured out he might just be dealing with a nut job. Okay, this may sound even more strange or gross: Take some action designed to disgust the potential attacker enough to make them want to leave. I have never done this, but one rape-prevention group has suggested that the would-be victim go so far as to vomit on themselves and then rub it on themselves to disgust and repel the attacker. Sounds extreme, but you can do laundry and take a bath later.
6) If you are attacked, scream, whistle, pound on things, make as much noise as possible. Scream words like "Fire!!" "Rape!" "Call 911!" and do not be shy about how loudly you scream. You are not trying to be considerate of other people's sensitive ears here, you WANT people to hear you so that they can help you.Assume that you are fighting/screaming for your LIFE, because you very well may be.
I hope some of this helps.
hugs from ducky
If you begin a sentence with "I probably shouldn't say this, but..." you were right.
