Self defense
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Avoid or run from street fights and altercations to prevent injury, death, or legal jeopardy.
Street fights offer no benefit; even winning can lead to jail, while losing can result in death from falls, stabbings, or bullets. Running increases the likelihood of avoiding injury.
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If one arm is grabbed, distract the attacker and strike vulnerable areas like the jaw, nose, eye socket, or groin with your free hand.
This may stop the attacker.
- You cannot count on this always working.
one person who lived it
If you decide to flee an active shooter, run immediately even if others refuse to go with you.
It is your life and you should trust your own judgment.
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Form a proper fist with the thumb outside the fingers when punching.
Punching with the thumb under the fingers will break your bones.
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If attacked by a dog, kick hard in the chest or face and do not run away.
You will not be able to outrun the dog.
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If you cannot escape and are unable to fight back, consider playing dead as a last resort.
Some survivors reported that attackers did not have time to thoroughly check every victim.
- This is described as a 'fourth resort' for those who are crippled or have no way to fight back.
2 people, independently
Run away from attackers if possible.
Escape is preferable to fighting; weapons are just an option.
2 people, independently
- If escaping an attack, move quickly toward crowds or populated areas to deter aggressors.1
Tuck your chin into your chest if someone attempts to choke you.
This makes it difficult for the attacker to reach your windpipe.
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Never threaten or mention owning a gun during a confrontation, as the other party may turn the situation against you.
They'll turn the tables on you.
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In an angry mob situation, identify someone who appears to have authority (older, better dressed, calmer) and make eye contact to ask for help.
They may be less worked up and able to assist.
- You might accidentally choose the wrong person and get into more trouble.
one person who lived it
Avoid participating in fights you can avoid, as you cannot lose a fight you did not enter.
You cannot lose a fight you didn't participate in.
2 people, independently
Train to run fast; one person found this built confidence because most people could not catch them.
It provides confidence that most attackers cannot catch you.
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Do not investigate loud popping sounds outdoors if you suspect they might be gunshots.
One person went to investigate loud pops while drinking coffee and realized midway through that a shooting was happening.
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When facing a hostile group, keep your hands open and gesture down calmly to show non-aggression.
This signals non-aggression.
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Use a shorter baton-style bat instead of a full-length baseball bat for defense in confined spaces like hallways.
Swinging a full bat in a hallway is difficult; a mini bat is better suited for tight areas.
2 people, independently
If you feel unsafe in a taxi, sing loudly and poorly to alert the driver that you are aware and potentially drawing attention.
It may cause the driver to check on you and take safer routes.
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One person reported escaping an assault by peeing on the attacker to create momentary surprise.
The surprise allowed the victim to run away.
- This is based on a single anecdotal report of a woman escaping a rape attempt.
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Seek the nearest, sturdiest cover immediately once you realize a shooting is occurring.
One person reported this was the only smart thing they did after processing the situation.
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Keep a dog as a deterrent against burglars.
Dogs are considered one of the biggest deterrents, often barking at those approaching.
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If an aggressive rooster runs at you, click the button on an automatic umbrella to startle it and create time to escape.
The sudden action scares the rooster.
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Train in martial arts such as boxing, wrestling, or judo to prepare for physical confrontations.
It is difficult to react correctly under high pressure without prior exposure to such stress through training.
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If you escape a kidnapping and can run, sprint straight ahead without looking back until you can flag someone down.
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Practice retrieving and deploying self-defense tools like pepper spray repeatedly until the action is automatic.
Without practice, the tool is useless; lack of practice commonly leads to users spraying themselves on first use.
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Prevent others from entering the area where an active shooter may be.
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Silence your cellphone completely, including vibrate mode, if you are hiding from attackers.
Attacks have been located based on ringing phones.
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Scratch the attacker vigorously during a struggle to leave their DNA under your fingernails for identification.
Many cases are solved by DNA found under fingernails.
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Provide fake personal information, such as name, age, and origin, to your kidnapper if possible.
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Use your voice loudly when striking to intimidate opponents and increase strike effectiveness.
It is intimidating and can make strikes more effective.
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