H.I.T. Self Defense

According to Fox news, there was another rape reported at UCSD last week (I believe the actual attack occurred on 2/3/09 around 8:30pm). This was the second reported rape in the last (4) months. Apparently, the victim was forced to the ground by the perpetrator in a parking lot and sexually assaulted. I thought this was a good time to put up some tips on parking garages/walking to your car, etc. Remember: this is a perfect environment for a predator - these areas are usually dimly lit with a lot of places to hide. A few things to keep in mind:

A. If possible, walk in groups or with a friend.

B. Don’t walk in-between cars - walk out in the main pathways.

C. Be alert - your head is on a swivel - you’re looking for danger.

D. No texting/No cell phones. Your friends/family can wait for a few minutes until you get to a safe place.

E. Lock those doors once you are inside of your car and don’t loiter - keep moving.

F. Be careful of your automatic door opener. If you are by yourself - you only want to open the driver-side door. You don’t want to unlock all of the doors.

G. Play the ‘when/then’ scenario - ‘when this happens, then I’ll do that.’ Play this game as you walk to your car (e.g. If someone jumps out from behind that van - then I’ll do this! If someone jumps out from behind that pillar, then I’ll do that!). If the worst case scenario does happen - you’ll be ready with a quick reaction.

H. If you are confronted by someone - put something in-between you and the attacker (i.e. car). They use these items to hide behind. You can use these items to put space between you and the perpetrator. This will give you time to consider your next move. This will also give you the opportunity to make some big NOISE. YELL as loud as you can: ‘GET AWAY FROM ME!” ‘HELP, HELP!” These are consequences that will dissuade the attacker. You quickly become a very undesirable target.

I. If he surprises you and jumps at you unexpectedly - go for the marbles: eyes and groin… and mean IT! Strike fast and effectively and get to a place of safety. Be ready to put the hurt on the perpetrator. Simply put: this is a predator whose intent is to do bodily harm to you. Don’t hold back with any reservations. Again, you want to give the ‘perp’ consequences that make you a very undesirable target.

In regards to the recent attack - this is really unfortunate. The bottom line: everyone is susceptible to an assault. Even when you take the greatest precautions, you can still be targeted by a predator. I hope these tips help. Practice the ‘when/then’ thinking , so even if you are caught off guard, you’ll react.

Stay safe.
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