Rape Prevention Strategies and Tactics (page 4)

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Rape Prevention Strategies and Tactics (page 4)

Defensive Strategies

Recognize when you are being "tested" as a victim and break away immediately

Predators often test a woman’s boundaries to gain proximity and size up her defenses. This can occur in a few seconds or over months. Learn to draw a line, to say NO and mean it. Don’t be duped by ploys, listen to your gut.

If you are rendered immobile and cannot immediately resist, act at the first opening

Rape can abruptly escalate to a more violent, life-threatening attack, so your cannot wait to a better opportunity. Take advantage of any sliver of opportunity. The instant he fumbles with his or your clothing, changes positions, puts down a weapon, or prepares to strike or use a weapon - ATTACK! Some rapists initially establish dominance by use of force, so, instead of ineffectually struggling against brute strength, relax and wait or an opening.

If forced to wait, remain focused on the inside

Emotions and adrenaline will quickly flood the body and can induce panic or paralysis. Adrenaline is a key factor here. It’s function is to prepare you for fight or flight. It revs the engine for action. If action is stifled, this energy may be misinterpreted as fear. When one is rendered paralyzed by fear, a feeling of dissociation or leaving one’s body may take over. This is the body's way of mitigating trauma and pain but it makes resistance difficult. To counter these feelings, plan: think about what part of my body is free, what targets are presenting, or where is the exit? To help counteract a racing mind and heart, lower your "center" and concentrate on deep breathing.

Do not test the waters

Do not make feeble attempts in an effort to test the attacker's reaction. Make your opening move count without telegraphing your intention. Initially, you might be able to lower his aggression, or at least his guard, by calmly talking to him or through physical contact, such as placing a hand on his knee, which gives you potential leverage and control. This also gets him used to seeing your hands so he won’t think twice when you suddenly stab his face. When it’s time to make you move, put your whole body and soul into the attack.

Attack vulnerable regions

To commit a rape, an offender’s face or groin will likely be in your strike zone at some point. Viciously attack whatever he sticks out. Use dirty tactics: bite, gouge, seize-and-squeeze, slam, pound, and pummel.

Use Your Hips and Legs To "Get Him Off!"

If an attacker is lying on or straddling your hips, plant a foot and buck him off or trap his lower leg and roll, while simultaneously attacking the face. If an offender is to the side of your body or sitting on you upright, you might be able to hook his head or shoulders with your leg(s) and slam him down. Remember: your goal is to facilitate escape, not force him into submission.

Use all available weapons

Self defense means adapting and expanding, not restricting, our options. Learn to see and think about using everyday tings as weapons. On the way home late at night, stop at a convenience store and pick up a cup of piping hot black coffee. After parking, pop the lid and walk home with coffee in hand. If physically assaulted, throw the hot coffee in the face of the attacker. Similarly, handfuls of dirt, noxious household products, or your fire extinguisher when aimed at the eyes of a violent aggressor could buy you enough time to escape or get help. Almost any item that has weight, mass, edges, or points can be an improvised self defense tool when used against a vulnerable target. The list is endless Furnishings and objects may also become protective barriers. A briefcase or garbage can lid may be used to fend off a knife attack.

To practice using available weapons, imagine you are suddenly ambushed. Give yourself only three seconds to get a "weapon" or "barrier" in your hands, with the emotional readiness to use it. Simultaneously be aware of and start maneuvering toward an exit or escape route.

Never allow yourself to be tied up or taken to a secondary crime scene

At a second, more isolated location, an assailant will have far more control over you. Go ballistic — immediately! Attack like a lioness and fight like you life depended on it, for it may.

Never give up

Another opening or stroke of luck may present itself. No matter the injury, if you are alive, you are not dead yet.

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