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TIS THE SEASON TO BE SAFE
By Stacey Knight Mejia
It’s that time of the year when we frantically search for that perfect gift for our friends, family and loved ones. You catch the holiday spirit, wanting to spread your good will towards everyone, not realizing what may lie out there to take advantage of your vulnerability. No one wants to think about it.. No one wants to have thoughts of fear, violence or aggression while shopping during the most joyous time of the year.. That’s when predators take advantage of you and your weakest moments when you are distracted and not paying attention. The majority of all assaults can be avoided with just good common sense and awareness of your environment. The equation for an attack is:
CRIMINAL + OPPORTUNITY + VICTIM = CRIME
If you are attacked, you are simply a part of the equation. The solution? Eliminate the parts of the equation in which you have control and you eliminate the crime. You can control the opportunities for attack by recognizing and avoiding danger zones and transitional areas. You must also use barriers such as doors, locks, and windows. You might not be able to have any control over the criminal, but you certainly can have control over denying the attacker the opportunity and making yourself a “good” or “easy” target.
Here are some tips for keeping you and your family safe this holiday shopping season:
1. Shop during the day
However, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Many attacks at the mall do occur during the daytime hours. If you must shop at night, park under a light and leave with a group of people.
2. Always shop with a friend. and stay with a group of people.
There is safety in numbers. Most predators are looking for an easy target and want to avoid being caught or identified.
3. Ask the guard to escort you to your car or watch as you enter your car.
If a guard is not available, wait for other groups of shoppers to walk out with you to your car or stay where others can see you.
4. Trust your instincts and stay aware of people in your surroundings.
Not surprisingly, criminals exhibit predatory behavior in preparing for an attack. They will often look at their intended victim more and for longer periods of time than social norms. They will often make several passes to see if the victim will react to get a sense of how the attack might work out. Pay attention! If you see a suspicious person walking twards you, immediately reverse your direction and go back into the store or mall. Attackers usually begin to ask basic questions such as for the time, for directions, to distract you and to get close to you.
5. Attract Attention if Attacked.
Use your voice and run if possible. The first thing the attacker may say to you is “Don't’ scream or I’ll kill you,” telling you exactly what will ruin his plan. Go ahead and ruin his plan. Create a distraction , scream, throw things, blow the horn. You can yell “help” however most people unfortunately don’ t respond as quickly. Use the words fire, rape, attack or No!
6. Have your car keys in your hand with the ignition key in your fingers ready to put in the car lock.
Do not entagle the keys in between your fingers. This is a common mistake most people use. The attacker could grab your hand and actually use this against you. By placing you key in the appropriate position to unlock your car, you can actually use the key as a weapons if you are attacked. For example, if the attacker grabs your wrist or throat, you can jab the attacker with the key as a weapon to release the hold.
7. Set off your car alarm
Push the panic button to help locate your vehicle but also to scare off any potential attackers lurking around your vehicle. YOU want to draw as much attention to you to discourage potential attackers.
8. Watch for the number of packages you carry.
The more packages and objects you have in your hands lessens your ability to defense yourself and makes you more vulnerable… If you can. Ask the clerk behind the register closest to the exit to the mall to hold your packages and drive your vehicle to the exit and load them into your car.. If you are with a friend have them wait with your packages at the exit and drive up to the exit to load.
9. Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your intuitions.
One of the most encouraging facts learned from women's success stories are that women who listen to, and act upon their awareness and intuition, and who set strong verbal boundaries, have a very high success rate in defending themselves without fighting.
Finally, to be proficient in self defense, I always tell my students that they must practice realistic self defense training. In my classes, we try to mock and practice different scenarios. This works on changing your victim status to a defender status. However by just using basic common sense and being aware of your surroundings, you can decrease your chances greatly of an attack.
Tis the season to be Jolly and Safe…!
Happy Holidays!
Stacey Knight Mejia is a Certified Instructor with the National Association of Professional Martial Artists. She along with her husband, Pablo F. Mejia, own and operate two locations of Acadiana Karate Institute in Lafayette, Louisiana. Acadiana Karate has been in business since 1978 specializing in teaching life skills and martial arts education to students ages 3.5 years thru adult. Stacey can be reached for private and group self defense classes at 337-233-8838 or at www.acadianakarate.com.
Resources
Coleman, Lorne. “The Truth and Lies About Women’s Self –Defense.” Oct. 2006.
<http://www.defendu.com/questions/quest27>.
Parker, Brad. “Self Defense Principles.” Oct. 2006.
<http://www.defendu.com>
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Acadiana Karate
Lafayette
2464 W. Congress St.
Lafayette, LA 70506
(337) 233-8838
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Youngsville
814 Fortune Rd.
Youngsville, LA 70592
(337) 856-3900
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