H.I.T. Self Defense

This is the final of a three part series on workplace violence prevention. This blog is really geared towards educators and administrators. Similar to Healthcare Providers, your job tends to put you in a high risk category for violent crimes. Here are some statistics from the BJS. The statistics are a little dated, but I’d venture to guess that they have only mushroomed over time: Over a five year period from 92-96, educators were the victims of 619,000 violent crimes. 14%of those were classified as serious violent assaults, which include rape or sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery and homicide. Those figures translate into 124,000 violent crimes and 18,000 serious violent crimes against educators per year. Middle and junior high teachers were more likely to be the victim of violent crime (59 assaults per 1000 teachers), followed by high school teachers (32 assaults per 1000 teachers) and elementary school teachers (17 crimes per 1000 teachers). In the 93-94 school year, 12% of all elementary and secondary school teachers (341,000) were threatened with injury by a student from their school.

So let’s talk some basics about tactical communication and measured response. If confronted by a student or the relative of a student:

Is this a lethal or non-lethal situation? If you are in a non-lethal situation, try to utilize tactical communication.
1. Provide alternatives.
2. Point out consequences to the behavior.
3. Set boundaries (both physical and verbal).

If the confrontation becomes physical here are some techniques that can help. These techniques are more evasive in nature and tend to provide a low probability of injury.
1. Maintain a safe survival distance (usually 6-8 feet).
2. If the individual tries to grab you (with the correct survival space) you can anticipate
the grab; block and/or evade and quickly get out of the situation. The HIT Kit will
show you numerous ways to block a grab or hold. Also, how to practice these techniques
at home.

If you feel the attack could be lethal, put aside the natural tendency as an educator to nurture and defend yourself.
1. Keep your cool and have a plan. Try to practice the: ‘If this happens, then I do that.’ You
can do this in your own spare time. Here is a quick example: you’re in the
classroom after everyone has gone home. Take a second out and imagine that someone
comes through the door with intent to do bodily harm to you. What would you do? Practice the
responses in your head. Practice, practice, practice. The more preparation you have the less
likely you will freeze up if the scenario ever happens in real life.

2. Empower yourself. Remember, the most vulnerable areas are the ‘marbles’. Eyes and groin.
If you are in a life threatening situation, go for the marbles; disengage the attack and get
to a place of safety.

A couple of preemptive things you can do to reduce your risk of attack:
1. Lock the door to your room or office if you’re working late. If someone knocks, make sure
you find out who it is before you open up the door. If you feel uncomfortable in the
situation, don’t open the door. Either ask them to come back during regular hours or tell them
you’re busy and will talk with them tomorrow.
2. Make sure you have a cell phone to call the police if needed.
3. Park your car closer to the building if you’re working late.
4. If you have security in your building, make sure they’re aware that you are working late. You
can also utilize their services to walk you to your car.

Stay Safe.

Get the HIT Kit/Empower Yourself.
The HIT Kit includes: The HIT DVD; a monthly eNewsletter; and special video blogs sent to you with training updates, as well as, my personal interviews with police officers and other experts in the field. There may also be some clandestine shooting of real people making critical mistakes out in the real world (they may be surprised when I approach them and show them their footage).

Visit the site for more information: www.hitselfdefense.com