How To Deal With An Attacker
Expert advice on how to fend off an attacker.
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Step 1:
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Prevention
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It is important to remember the following -
- Fighting back should always be a last resort. The best form of defence is prevention. Don't put yourself in dangerous situations.
- If you feel threatened, assess the situation. Can you get help? What's the attacker after? If asked for your valuables, hand them over immediately.
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Step 2:
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Fighting back: the principles
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If you do have to fight back, these are Debi's guiding principles.
- Stay passive until you choose the moment to strike. This will lull the attacker into a false sense of security.
- Keep your hands up and close to the threat. The closer you are, the less time they'll have to react when you strike.
- Target vulnerable areas like the eyes and bollocks, and strike hard and fast.
- Always remember the law. Do not exceed reasonable force when defending yourself. Be single-minded and aggressive but as soon as you see your chance, run for it.
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Step 3:
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Defensive moves
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Debi is now going to demonstrate some defensive moves on her assistant Mark. These can be used in combination against an attacker.
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a) eyes and face.
Thrust your hand into their face. Block their mouth and nose with your palm, and stick your fingers in their eyes. Clawing their eyes and face like this makes it hard for them to see and breath. -
Alternatively, use your elbow to hit your attacker's face. This is good in situations when your movement is restricted. The hard bone at the point of it can cause a lot of pain.
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b) windpipe.
Grab their windpipe or jab your fingers into it. This seriously impedes breathing. -
c) bite.
Bite if you have to, as hard as you can. If your attacker is lying on top of you or is restricting your movements, this move may be the only one available. -
d) carotid artery.
The carotid artery sits behind the neck muscles here. If you strike it with enough force your attackers legs will buckle and he'll be temporarily disabled. A large swing may be anticipated so keep your hands relaxed and up in a passive position. Choose your moment, then strike fast and hard. -
e) stomach.
If you are close to the attacker try kneeing their stomach. Winding them will make it hard for them to chase. -
f) groin.
Knee or kick the groin. Even if you don't quite connect with the groin area, you've got a good chance of numbing the thigh muscles. -
g) shins
Kicking the shins can inflict a lot of pain. It's also a useful move if your arms are being held. -
h) ear
The ear is particularly vulnerable and will tear off easily. If you see an opportunity, get your fingers right behind the ear and tug down forcefully.
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Step 4:
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Escape and get help
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Don't stay and fight. Run away as soon as you can. If your attacker is on the floor but able to get up and follow you, immobilise them by jumping on their ankle or hitting them in the groin area. If you are lightweight, use two feet to jump on their ankle, or break it with a heavy object.
Draw attention to yourself by screaming, but don't be surprised if you can't. Adrenaline and shock may make it difficult. Find help immediately and call the police. If you have a mobile, get well clear and then dial 999.
