It's Your Life or Theirs
In light of the recent abduction and subsequent death of Chelsea King and the discovery of Amber Dubois' remains (bless); I've kinda been mentally reviewing all the advice I've gotten over the years on what to do if you get grabbed. A lot of it is something you never want to have to use; but it's decent knowledge, and it would be wise for us to teach our children these things. Note I said OUR CHILDREN - everyone here is someone's child, it doesn't matter if your children are 4 or 14 or 24, they are still children. Educated children turn into educated adults, and these creeps don't target one gender over the other - men and boys are JUST as victimized as women and girls! Not all assailants are men, either, but it's usually men who grab people in public - women are rarely brawny enough to pull it off successfully and instead lure victims in. Pass this info on.
If you are out, especially when alone, avoid getting on your cell phone - but keep it handy. While walking, pay attention to your surroundings. If you feel like you're being watched, stop, make a point to look all around you. If you see someone staring, stare right back at them - MAKE EYE CONTACT. If they know you see them, they will be less confident in the grab. When possibly, carry your keys with a key (or more) pointing out of your fist - it will be a handy weapon if need be. If you don't have keys, keep your bag, backpack, etc. over your shoulder but within easy swinging motion - a bag, when thrown or swung hard enough, can be a good distraction or deterrent.
1) Assume you are going to die. It doesn't matter if they have a weapon and threaten to kill you right there- if they get you alone, they WILL kill you; but most creeps are hesitant to actually use a weapon in a public place because it will draw attention. Scream, shout, and to avoid anyone thinking you're crying wolf or a couple of kids just screwing around, use lots of loud key words -- words like "HELP!", "FIRE!" to get the attention at first, and then follow that with other key words - "KIDNAP!" or "RAPE!" -- anyone can ignore a kid screaming because they don't want to leave a store with their mom, nobody can ignore a kid screaming KIDNAP or RAPE. Make lots of noise. LOTS.
2) Hit, bite, and scratch, aiming for the eyes, nose and groin specifically. If he can't see you, he can't chase you. Your elbow is best to use to hit with. If you use your hands, punch upward at the face with the flat of your palm and try to break the nose.
3) If you can't run, let every muscle go limp and uncooperative, drop to the ground, start kicking and make them fight you there. KEEP SCREAMING.
4) If you are being dragged toward a vehicle or building, start screaming out colors, locations and descriptions. Someone may hear you, and if something is said out loud, it will be easier for you to recall later if needed. PAY ATTENTION. If you need to follow a breadcrumb trail back out, it will be easier if you know landmarks.
Injuries can be fixed, death is forever.
If you own and routinely carry a weapon (as I know a lot of my fellow military wives do), remember ladies - and teach your children this too - that when you aim a weapon at someone, your intention should be to kill them. None of this injuring or intimidating crap. If you point a weapon, you had better have lethal intentions - or don't point it at all.
One can NEVER be too educated on these topics.
Love to you all.
If you are out, especially when alone, avoid getting on your cell phone - but keep it handy. While walking, pay attention to your surroundings. If you feel like you're being watched, stop, make a point to look all around you. If you see someone staring, stare right back at them - MAKE EYE CONTACT. If they know you see them, they will be less confident in the grab. When possibly, carry your keys with a key (or more) pointing out of your fist - it will be a handy weapon if need be. If you don't have keys, keep your bag, backpack, etc. over your shoulder but within easy swinging motion - a bag, when thrown or swung hard enough, can be a good distraction or deterrent.
1) Assume you are going to die. It doesn't matter if they have a weapon and threaten to kill you right there- if they get you alone, they WILL kill you; but most creeps are hesitant to actually use a weapon in a public place because it will draw attention. Scream, shout, and to avoid anyone thinking you're crying wolf or a couple of kids just screwing around, use lots of loud key words -- words like "HELP!", "FIRE!" to get the attention at first, and then follow that with other key words - "KIDNAP!" or "RAPE!" -- anyone can ignore a kid screaming because they don't want to leave a store with their mom, nobody can ignore a kid screaming KIDNAP or RAPE. Make lots of noise. LOTS.
2) Hit, bite, and scratch, aiming for the eyes, nose and groin specifically. If he can't see you, he can't chase you. Your elbow is best to use to hit with. If you use your hands, punch upward at the face with the flat of your palm and try to break the nose.
3) If you can't run, let every muscle go limp and uncooperative, drop to the ground, start kicking and make them fight you there. KEEP SCREAMING.
4) If you are being dragged toward a vehicle or building, start screaming out colors, locations and descriptions. Someone may hear you, and if something is said out loud, it will be easier for you to recall later if needed. PAY ATTENTION. If you need to follow a breadcrumb trail back out, it will be easier if you know landmarks.
Injuries can be fixed, death is forever.
If you own and routinely carry a weapon (as I know a lot of my fellow military wives do), remember ladies - and teach your children this too - that when you aim a weapon at someone, your intention should be to kill them. None of this injuring or intimidating crap. If you point a weapon, you had better have lethal intentions - or don't point it at all.
One can NEVER be too educated on these topics.
Love to you all.