Attack Your Attacker

Last year, Denver Police had 395 reports of sexual assault (you can find this number, as well as other crime stats, here: http://goo.gl/g0Bno9). If you are attacked you must fight back with purpose to fend off your attacker. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Use your head.

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If you are attacked from the rear, dig heels into instep, kick at shins, strike attackers face with the back of your head.

Wrist twist.

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If an attacker grabs your wrist and starts to pull you, don't pull in the opposite direction. Instead, use the palm of your free hand and thrust it upward into their face, aiming for their nose. You can also gouge eyes with thumbs and scratch with fingernails. To free your wrist, twist your hand over the attackers, against their thumb.

Kick. Hard.

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If attacked from the front, protect your airway, and start kicking. Strike fast, aiming for vital spots, like shins, knees, and groin areas.

Protect your airway.

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If your attacker aims for your neck, drop your chin to protect your airways. If the attacker attempts to grab your from behind, drop your chin, dig your heels into instep, and take your left leg and swing it behind your right leg, while also pulling your head from under the hold.

SCREAM.

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Make noise, a lot of noise by screaming to attract attention.

Key defense.

Always keep your keys handy, threading them through your fingers, making a fist around them. Strike your attacker, leading with the keys.

Mace.

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Mace or pepper spray costs about $4 and you can carry it with you on your keys. Familiarize yourself with they way it works, so if you are ever attacked you can deploy it quickly.