Date: 12/11/2003 9:25:00 AM
From Authorid: 12133
I agree, they should carry something to keep unwanted people away. You never know who some sicko is gonna try to attack. Too many sick, weird people out there.  |
Date: 12/11/2003 9:37:00 AM
From Authorid: 58334
Well I don't but then again in my town you really don't need it. It's very small and I rarely travel out of it  |
Date: 12/11/2003 9:40:00 AM
From Authorid: 62222
I don't carry protection in the sense that you are stating Raz, like mace and what not. I do carry my keys in my fist however, when I am walking alone. You'd be suprised how useful a large set of keys are when you hit someone in the throat or eyes with it, and the sharp points of the keys are sticking out from between your fingers. I don't even live in a "dangerous area" or anything but I am well aware that ANYTHING can happen. I don't live in a constant nervous state of fear or anything, but I am never unprepared. <RegretfulHalo>  |
Date: 12/11/2003 9:44:00 AM
From Authorid: 10754
Knowledge and preperation is the best protection, and a can of pepper spray cannot replace it.  |
Date: 12/11/2003 9:46:00 AM
From Authorid: 12133
I think Radman and Ginger are the worst duo on here |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 9:50:00 AM
From Authorid: 62222
I agree Jay. You have to aware of what's going on. If you are aware, you can turn anything into your protection. Most assailants want "easy prey" and women should try consiously not to be it, regardless of what they carry in there purse. However, it IS admirable that you are taking such lengths to protect those you love Raz. They are very lucky to have you looking out for them. <RegretfulHalo> |
Date: 12/11/2003 9:53:00 AM
From Authorid: 15232
I don't have anything either. I usually hold my keys also. They might not be as sharp as a knife, but I'm sure you could still puncture with it.  |
Date: 12/11/2003 9:57:00 AM
From Authorid: 59418
I'm good at biting *bite bite* I would carry an army knife but if i got stopped by the cops they'd probably arrest me for it or sumt...  |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 10:00:00 AM
From Authorid: 62222
*their purse....not "there" purse...(sheesh, what's with me? Wait...don't answer that)<RH> |
Date: 12/11/2003 10:17:00 AM
From Authorid: 62408
I need to get another thing of Pepper spray for my keychain, although like Nimiwae said (we live in roughly the same area of PA, nowheresville), not much happens here. My most likely chance of being attacked would be if one of the neighbors cows got loose while I was walking through the field. (I'm not kidding folks). But, even though its been awhile ago, my freshman year of college I took a self-defense course, and I remember the basics from that, I always park my car at night in well-lit areas, carry my keys in my hand to my car, ready to use a key as a weapon if necessary. (If any of you have watched the movie Miss Congeniality with Sandra Bullock, where she plays a FBI agent undercover at a Beauty Pagent, she teaches the girls what to do if attacked from behind...to "S.I.N.G." Solar plexus (sharp jab backward with elbow, Instep (step on foot), <then spin around> Nose(heel of palm up toward nose), Groin(knee to groin).. then, well... get the heck out of there. I also feel a lot safer now that I have a car that has remote entry. I check the backseat, etc. before getting in. Never park by a van, esp one without windows, and if I am by one, I get in on the passenger side, and slide across. Because in 1998, while waiting for a bus, not long after my diagnosis with depression, I was attacked at a bus stop (In broad daylight). While many people where there who didnt' do anything. This older man came up to me, began asking many lewd and improper questions, reeking of alcohol, I tried to ignore him, and stepped closer to the crowd, but it didn't work, he grabbed me by the arm, and started trying to fondle me, and grabbed my sweater, nearly tearing it open. (Again, keep in mind that no one at this bus stop is doing anything...just pretending this isn't happening). I finally stomped on his foot, pushed him away, and spun out of the grip his arms had on me, and took off running down the block. I ran about 5 blocks or so in less than 5 minutes. Its amazing what adrenaline can do, even when I sprained my ankle (I was wearing low-cut heels that day), I kept on running). I went to Carlow College, where I had attended two years prior, and went directly to the dorms to the switchboard operator. She remembered me...let me in her little 'office', called security and the Pittsburgh police. I was crying by then, I knew I was in shock. I felt guilty, but I didn't know where else to go, it was the safest place I could think of. I gave them a description of the guy, and they found him two blocks away from the bus stop. A policeman took me down there, and just brought the guy over enough in my line of view while I sat in the car to make the ID. They arrested him, and I said I would press charges, I read about an arrest that sounded similiar to that in the paper with a guy having several prior cases... and that no trial necessary... so I guess that's why I was never contacted. My statement alone was enough, plus he was drunk in public. The only other things I clearly remember about that was refusing to go to the hospital...my mom coming to get me, and not going back to that bus stop. I was in a day therapy program at the time...and I could do it.. not right away. I was scared. But I wasn't going to let one jerk keep me scared for life. For one week I let my mom pick me up after the program. The following Monday, I marched myself right back up to that bus stop, and got back up on that bus again like nothing had ever happened. It still effects me to this day, and every now and then I have nightmares, but I know I'm a stronger person for it, I'm proud of myself for turning him in...and not letting him get the best of me...I did it for myself, and for anyone else he may have hurt, or could have hurt if I had kept silent. Sorry this is long... but every now and then, I feel the need to share this story...to remind myself that I AM strong...thanks to all for 'listening'.-Christine  |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 10:27:00 AM
From Authorid: 10754
That ' SING ' thing beats around the bush a bit. First place you should go for are the eyes. Take away his ability to see, you take him out of his predatory notion and into defensive mode. While he's trying to get his bearings, you're running like heck. |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 10:32:00 AM
From Authorid: 12133
I thought you went for the reproductive parts? |
Date: 12/11/2003 10:32:00 AM
From Authorid: 62456
Wow Christine, that was intense. I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself-if I was there I would have helped you-maybe the other people were shocked and didnt react. I'm so glad nothing worse happened-though that was terrible but could have been worse. Thanks for sharing-makes me open my eyes a little more because I'm probably not that careful out in public. I always think that because I'm very tall and big (for a woman) no guy would mess with me.I know that's dumb but true.  |
Date: 12/11/2003 10:33:00 AM
From Authorid: 13729
LOL!.......I'm sorry for laughing but when I read the title of this post I thought you wanted to know if they carried condoms in their purses!.......  |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 11:37:00 AM
From Authorid: 15232
That's what I was thinking too!! lol |
Date: 12/11/2003 11:52:00 AM
From Authorid: 35160
i use my keys, and im always watching the area around me. looking for anything suspicious.  |
Date: 12/11/2003 11:56:00 AM
From Authorid: 53836
I don't, so put me on your Christmas list I used to carry pepper spray, but never used it...I would never carry a gun, as much as I'd love to, because I might, in an irrational moment, use it on myself...or the dude who ticks me off the most...Merry Christmas!  |
Date: 12/11/2003 11:56:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13283
Christine , I am proud of you . You are an example for the other ladies here . If anyone knows , what martial arts do they teach a woman if they want to learn self defense ??? My moms neighbor has a black belt in something . She can kick some butt and defend herself too . Razzy aka  |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 11:57:00 AM
From Authorid: 53836
BTW...I was glad to see this post wasn't about condoms, LOL |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 11:58:00 AM
From Authorid: 53836
RH said it!! Keys are also my weapon of choice...when I walk out of a store, I have my keys ready to gouge an offender's eyes out!! |
Date: 12/11/2003 12:58:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13283
Spacecase , use those nails on their eyes and give em a good punch in the nose .  Razzy aka |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 1:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 62410
I'm currently not "packing" because I am currently "abstaining". Should I decide to be active again, however, I will most assuredly be "packing". BTW how does your friend getting assaulted have anything to do with protection. Assault implies force where she wouldn't have an option to use protection or not. Just curios... Scall |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 1:21:00 PM
From Authorid: 62410
Sorry, guess I misunderstood what you meant by protection. I don't carry anything but my keys (which are numerous and on a large jailer-type ring -- could do some damage -- not to mention I'm a pretty good fighter and I would feel sorry for whoever thought I was an "easy target". Scall |
Date: 12/11/2003 1:39:00 PM
From Authorid: 19460
i had a 22 pistol that i carried in my car, especially if i was out of town without my husband. i sold it when my brother came to stay with me cause he has sticky fingers and i didnt want him to get into trouble with my gun. i also used to carry a pool stick. now with 2 boys, i almost always have a baseball bat in my car LOL the only other weapon i have is my car keys, and if im alone, i put my suzuki key between my middle and ring finger and dare someone to touch me LOL  |
Date: 12/11/2003 2:03:00 PM
From Authorid: 38601
my boyfriend...lol...no, i've usually got something on me i can use...whether it's my keys or my cell phone or what my friends affectionately call "the bag of useful stuff", and if that fails...i don't think i was given teeth this sharp for no reason, lol  |
Date: 12/11/2003 2:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 45684
I carry tear gas...My mom got it for me *no idea where* and I'm not even sure if it's legal, but I don't care. My area is fairly decent, but I still carry it, especially when I go down to Milwaukee.  |
Date: 12/11/2003 2:41:00 PM
From Authorid: 53909
LMAO!! I too was thinking about condoms also. I rarely go out anywhere by myself so I don't carry anything. But if I am by myself, like walking around the block, the park etc...I carry a pocket knife just in case. I also always carry my keys that has some sharp objects on that.  |
Date: 12/11/2003 3:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 27046
I don't carry anything and never have, and don't plan to start! LOL  |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 3:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 10754
To EFFECTIVELY fight off an attacker, don't think about inflicting pain, think about disabling FUNCTION. Fingers to the eyes ( at least temporarily ) blinds him. A sharp blow across the nose causes him to tear up, again blinding him. A deep punch to the throat kills his breathing. |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 5:17:00 PM
From Authorid: 62408
Note to Author ID 62491: The "SING" method taught in the movie that I mentioned here is for use when attacked from behind...at any other time, of course, I learned in my self defense class to jab the eyes, heel of palm upward to the nose (which will cause the attacker to lift his hands to his face, leaving the groin area vulnerable), then knee to stomach, pushing the attacker backward so he falls on his back, stepping on the groin,(he will pull his legs up) then running in a direction opposite your attacker, so he cannot grab your ankle, etc as you escape. Also..important things to remember: never shout "HELP", as people will think it is a prank. Words that are more liable to get attention would be to shout "FIRE" or something like that, or even carry one of those mini-foghorns on your keychains. |
Date: 12/11/2003 6:08:00 PM
From Authorid: 62367
Where I work, carrying a weapon, pepper spray, tazer or whatever would cost me my job. However, I think my purse would knock just about anyone out if I got a good swing and hit them in the head. LOL  |
|
Date: 12/11/2003 9:23:00 PM
From Authorid: 12133
those keychain foghorns also work well, if lost in a fog bank going to the mall |
|
Date: 12/12/2003 9:07:00 AM
From Authorid: 10754
Problem with that is, attacks from behind vary greatly, and no one method or technique is enough knowledge to have. My biggest concern with the method you described here is, does it teach it's students to stabilize their base? If I come up from behind you, tackle you with a bear hug, you've no solid base to effectively utilize that elbow. If I push you against a wall, same result. If I grab you in a bear hug and pull you backwards, not only do you have no sufficient base, but not enough travel for your weapon ( the elbow ) to do any damage. |
|
Date: 12/12/2003 9:17:00 AM
From Authorid: 10754
Here's another scenario for ya. If I come up from behind with a knife in my right had and press it against your throat ( with my left arm wrapped around your left shoulder and collarbone ), go ahead, execute that first elbow; the initial motion forward to build distance for it, as well as my reaction ( that is, if the elbow is SUCCESSFUL in sending me back a few inches ) is surely going to slide that knife right along your carotid artery. I hope for your sake he's carrying something EXTREMELY dull. |
|
Date: 12/12/2003 1:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 62408
Again, very good points Author 62491. Though I can't name them all here, in my self defense class I took my freshman year of college, we did learn various methods to fend of attack, whether it was from the front, side, behind, if grabbed by the wrist (to twist around in such a way that would give us the power to not only pin our assailant to the ground but with enough force to break the forearm), and also how to disarm him if necessary. That was just a technique mentioned in a movie, and as we all know, in movies, everything goes smoothly...and it was also only a demo. My other 'safety measure' is if its late at night, and I'm somewhere by myself, and feel the slightest bit hesitant, I request a security guard escort to walk me to my car. Many malls provide this service...and I always go directly to the customer service desk, to confirm that the guard is in fact a mall employee, and not an imposter. I thank you for bringing up your various points that you think I may have missed, but I do consider every possibility. Now I may sound harsh here, and I apologize if I do...but it needs to be said. I'm always very cautious, but I'm also a very anxious person, and I've not been doing well these past few days. My depression has been bringing me down with the impending holidays. I can get quite paranoid on my own without the extra help, so please, do not mention any other possible scenarios for me to worry about. I have enough on my mind right now. --Christine |
|
Date: 12/12/2003 2:42:00 PM
From Authorid: 10754
You are welcome; I have taught ( what ( term ' realistic ' ) approaches to combat for five years now, and we aim to survive. I hope you feel better soon. |
Date: 12/12/2003 5:54:00 PM
From Authorid: 16845
thought about getting some pepper spray a while back when I was doing some classwork with a real scum bag...but never did....so I don't really carry anything....I do have massive long nails though that are lethal when used if that counts for anything LOL  |
|
Date: 12/13/2003 9:13:00 AM
From Authorid: 27046
For some reason I cannot understand why when I read things like this, I still have no desire to carry anything to protect myself, or even give it a second thought. I am always out and about at night. I generally do my grocery shopping at night because I don't have to take my kids. Most times it's around 11:00pm before I head out the door to get it done. I went Christmas shopping Thursday night and left the stores well after midnight. Last night at 11:30pm I stopped off at the market to a parking lot of about 6 cars, to get some milk and bread. I have never been apprehensive about doing this. I have never had that moment of feeling like someone was watching me, or walking behind me and I better pick up my pace to my car. I am also a 26 year old female that has been doing this since my teens. Is it wrong that I don't think about this stuff and practically put myself in the situation to have this happen to me? |
|
Date: 12/13/2003 11:42:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13283
No woman thinks it will happen to them , but it happens often . Prevention is good . Its better to be safe than sorry . Razzy aka |
Date: 12/13/2003 11:54:00 AM
From Authorid: 50864
Great post. I keep thinking if only Dru Sjodin had had some sort of protection with her... nd she lived in one of the lowest crime areas in the United States. Maybe things would be different for her and her family...  |
|
Date: 12/13/2003 12:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 10754
I know this is going to sound harsh, and it's probably going to offend some people, but this is the truth of it. Crimes happen because they can. Terrorism occurs because it can. Women are abused, sexually assualted, and raped, because it can happen. Knowledge and preparation prevents many women from becoming victims. Twenty years ago, statistics showed that ONE out of every FIVE women has been raped ( and those are just the ones REPORTED ). Five years ago when I was preparing a women's rape-prevention course, the statistics had elevated to ONE out of every FOUR. Ten years from now, you can bet it'll be bordering ( if not fully on ) ONE out of every THREE. The numbers don't lie, and to not take some sort of measures towards preventing this is only giving it the ability to happen. |
Date: 1/17/2004 12:28:00 PM
From Authorid: 962
Got nothing. Must not own a gun, I got temper issues :P I used to have an automatic knife, I decided to get rid of it since it always gets detected by sensor in every building that I enter!
I guess I'd be relying on physical strength more often than not lol!
 |
