Self-Defense is a very important topic for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. 
Everyone should have basic self defense skills to help protect themselves in dangerous situations, whether it be when violence strikes at home or in a parking lot on the way home after work.

Below is a link to a video from HP Investigations.  
This video shows, in part, some of the last self-defense class offered by DANA Services.
Thank you to Albert & Carol Nunez for helping us organize and offer this class!

Click Here for Self-Defense Video
 
Please check back on this page to watch for any upcoming classes.
Safety Tips for Women

• MAKE EYE CONTACT:  It may be your first instinct to lower your gaze as you walk to your destination but looking straight into the face of potential assailants is the better option.  Eye contact is important as such may scare off attackers because the they fear you will be able to identify them.

 

• KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS OPEN AND YOUR HANDS FREE:  It is important to be alert to whom and what is around you.  Talking on a cell phone or listening to headphones makes you a likely target as well as easy prey for a predator.  The only reason you should be using your cell phone is to notify a friend of your whereabouts or to call for help.  Also, limit the number of bundles you have to carry by using a bag with a should strap.  This will ensure that your hands are free to defend.  Be prepared to surrender your backpack or purse as opposed to becoming the victim of a violent assault.  

 

• FIGHT YOUR INNER WOMAN:  Experts say that women tend to be sympathetic- don't be!  History has shown that serial killers and other criminals often play on the sympathies of unsuspecting women to lure them into dangerous situations.  If someone asks for the time, directions, or help in or around their car, be as courteous as possible but keep moving, and definitely move away from the potential assailant.  You can always assist the stranger by making a phone call to police from a safe location or by finding others to go back and help with you.

 

• BE PARANOID AND SUSPICIOUS:  It is always better to be safe than sorry.  Don't walk through parking lots that are dark or deserted alone.  Find someone to walk you to your car.  Don't be the last person out of a location and be forced to walk alone in a dark and/or nearly empty parking lot and look in your vehicle's back seat to insure that no one is hiding there before you enter, then get in your vehicle and lock your doors immediately.

When It's Too Late

• NEVER GET INTO A STRANGER'S CAR- Even if he has a gun or knife.  Run, fight, do whatever you can to stay out of that car because you are statistically "dead" if he gets you in there.

 

• RUN, RUN, RUN- If the predator has a gun but you are not under his control, take off running.  Even if the predator shoots at you, they will only hit you, a running target, four out of every 100 shots.  And even then, it most likely would not be a vital organ, and they will leave you as they flee the location.  Put as much distance between you and your assailant as you can and don't be a willing or compliant victim.

 

• STAY PUT- Do not let your attacker take you to an abandoned area.  If he does, the likelihood that you will be seriously injured increases tenfold.

 

• HIT THE ATTACKER WHERE IT COUNTS- The eyes, knees, throat and groin are very vulnerable, good places to gouge and kick.  But listen to your instincts and try to determine if a counter attack by you is the best approach.   If you do decide to fight, make sure your fist move is as forceful as possible.  It may be your only hope.

 

• TRY ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING- Additional approaches are offering your wallet, jumping out at a stoplight, doing something to cause a vehicle accident, or signaling to other drivers.  If you are thrown in the trunk of a car, experts advise you to kick out the back tail lights, stick your arm out the hole, and start waving wildly.  The driver won't see you but everyone else will.  This trick is said to have saved lives.

These safety tips are from Guardian Self-Defense.  They have safety tips for people of all ages and circumstances.  For more information and self defense products, please visit their website at:
http://www.guardian-self-defense.com/