H.I.T. Self Defense

We were asked to give some instruction at an emergency city meeting about a serial rapist in San Diego. Unfortunately, they did not have a great turn out. The quickest way to catch this guy is to activate members of the community. I applaud SDPD for their participation. Feel free to review my last post on this guy:

http://www.hitselfdefense.com/blog/hit-alert-possible-serial-rapist-sexually-assaults-another-woman

As a quick recap, SDPD believe he follows his victims home and waits until they are in a vulnerable position (loading groceries in the house, getting things out of the car, etc.) - he then gains access to their residence; threatens them with a knife, and robs or sexually assaults the victim.

Here is a quick recap of my presentation. This instruction really encompasses all of us - whether we live in San Diego or not. Remember, there are predators like this guy all over the United States:

A. Be vigilant - regardless of where you are… remember, this guy attacks victims in their home. Unfortunately, sometimes we lower our vigilance when get close to our residence (really, our safe place). Be ready, be prepared.

B. Make yourself a hard target: Vigilance is the first step. Beyond vigilance, if someone does approach you from behind, you want to create a safe distance from the individual. If need be, swing that arm back to hit them in the face - or use your keys to hit them in the face (see the video below for a visual of this suggestion). Those few seconds you have after you strike may give you the necessary time to get away. Remember, you want to give the perpetrator consequences they do not want.

Personal Protection Devices: Use a flashlight when you walk to your car. Again, to a potential perpetrator the flashlight makes you a harder target. You can also use the flashlight as a weapon if need be. I am also a big fan of pepper spray. Law enforcement uses pepper spray to reach out and ‘touch someone’ from a safe distance. Two important points here: ask someone (police officer) for their suggestion on the best pepper spray to use. SABRE Red makes a good product (for civilian and law enforcement). Take a look at: http://www.sabrered.com/servlet/StoreFront
Also, you want to keep the pepper spray in an easily accessible place. Make sure you can get to the canister as quickly as possible.

C. Worst case scenario - fake compliance: That is, if you are suddenly confronted, and trapped, fake compliance: Yes to this, and yes to that, until he lets his guard down… and then run and yell. These are consequences the perpetrator does not want. Again, take a look at the video for a visual on this suggestion.

Be kind to the gentlemen (my friends) who shot this video. This is not our normal production company. To their defense, my buddies’ came out on a Saturday at 4pm to shoot some of my presentation. Thanks guys.

Visit the Site/Get the DVD: www.hitselfdefense.com

Also, I’ve tried a new player for this blog (Vimeo).

HIT Self Defense Instruction from Hit Self Defense on Vimeo.