Society demands
self-defense action
By Frances Matteck
nw news editor

Most people get their first job at 16. My first real job was at Old Navy; it was an awesome job. The only thing that I didn’t like was that I had to work late.
As any 16-year-old girl knows, walking out to your car late at night is scary. You don’t know what might be behind a tree or who might be crouched behind a car, maybe your car.
As an idealist, I’d like to believe women have the freedom to walk through a parking lot late at night without being harassed.
Unfortunately, in today’s society, I am forced to conclude this is not true. I also realize that men are stronger than women, and in a physical confrontation, a woman could quickly lose. However, women can take certain precautions.
When you are walking out to your car, whether it is during the day or late at night, try to walk with someone. Also get your keys out before you walk outside.
If you’re fumbling around in your purse for your keys, an attacker will more than likely pick you over the person who already has her keys out.
Plus, if you have them ready, you can grip them like a claw. Then if someone tries to attack you, you’ve got a weapon.
If someone attacks you, don’t hesitate to hurt him any way you can. That person made the decision to attack you, so now you have to deal with it. Any reluctance on your part could cost you dearly.
Another way to prevent an attack is to hold on to your purse instead of letting it swing off of your shoulder. If your purse has a longer strap, you can put it on your left shoulder, across your chest, and let it hang on your right side. Then your attacker would have to lift it up and over your head. It’s much easier for him to just grab it off your arm, and attackers will always wait for the easiest victim to come along.
Another good idea is to take a basic self-defense class. You’ll learn about other precautions to take and techniques to follow if you do get attacked.
Some good maneuvers if you are attacked include trying to gouge the attacker’s eyes, punching him in the throat so he can’t breathe or kneeing him in the groin and then running. Always scream for help and never stay and fight if you get the chance to run.