How to change fear into power in light of an attack

An attacker may have attacked one person in his power game, but as a result it has on effect on our whole community.

Often when someone is attacked in such a brutal way we often focus on our vulnerability, which is exactly what an attacker wants to happen when they decide to play the power game. They want you to focus on your fear not your power so they can dominate you.

To be successful in self-defence we need to focus on the solution which will empower you not the problem which causes you to think of your fear. We need to take control of our surroundings and know what are the skills that will assist us in being less of a target. By understanding the power game we can make better and more WISE decisions.

Here are 12 steps that can take back the control and give you a sense of certainty and trust that you can live in control and find your power.

1. Let people know where you are going, and what time you will be back. When you do this it allows others to care for you and assist you if something goes wrong. Time to expect you back, route that you are taking, and if you are late to ring and let them know.
2. When you are out, create massive awareness. You cannot defend what you cannot see. Listen to music with an external speaker from your music player or only put in one earpiece. Don’t text while walking. Stop and be aware before you text. Look ahead and see who is around and if they seem to want to connect to you. Be aware of distractions, people asking for the time, or approaching with a question. If this happens be aware of any energy build up.
3. Know where your safest points of safety are, not the nearest points of safety. Stay on busy roads, well lit streets, and open shops. This can help you know where to go when your adrenaline is running and your thinking slows. While on a walk, if you are on a usual route look for houses that communicate respect and trust. Look at the people who live there and ask yourself if you trust them. These will be your safety points along your walk.
4. When walking, try and link yourself to another group – even if you have to wait for a group to come along. It is harder for a person to dominate more than one person.
5. Know where you are. Take notice of street signs and landmarks when walking somewhere that is unfamiliar to you. If a situation arises call 000 and ask for Victorian Police not just Police. When connected give your whereabouts first, then the situation. If you ring a friend to add assistance, speak as though you are speaking to a male even if it is a female. An attacker does not want to deal with a man when they choose a woman to attack.
6. Your voice can go high pitched when adrenaline runs, therefore engage your stomach muscles when talking to give power to your voice. Talk out loud about your plan. This will keep you breathing, as well as keeping your brain and lungs from freezing.
7. Is there something you have on you that you can use as a temporary weapon? Do not carry anything on you for the sole use as a weapon. This is illegal, but if the threat is powerful then you can use equal or lesser force. If you pick up a knife you have to understand that the person may die. If you are not prepared for this you will most likely hesitate and then the attacker can get the knife off you. Pick up a handful of dirt and throw it in their eyes.
8. Know your combination. Know all of your weapons (elbows, legs, teeth, fingernails, etc). Have a leg technique, because most attackers will grab the upper body and forget about the legs. All kicks should be below the waist to maximise balance in your strike. You must have a groin strike, so your attacker knows his balls are on the line. Have a face strike so the attacker sees what you can do to them.
9. Use your voice and be as loud as you can. Think of power in your voice, not fear. High pitches usually represent fear. Scream “help fire!”. Fire gets people involved.
10. If it looks as though it is going to get physical, run if help is close by and use your voice of power. If they grab you, hold onto your attacker and put your face and head as close to, if not on, their body. They will keep you upright and you have the power to stop them throwing you to the ground. Also you are out of their knockout zone.
11. When you hit, think as though you have to hit 30 centimetres past the front of your target – and with every hit you are thinking about hitting them off their feet. This will make sure you hit through your target and have an effect. Don’t stop and see if it is working, just keep hitting until you feel their energy drop. This is when you would run if you have not run before the attack.
12. Get help as soon as possible. Go to a shop or a house. If someone offers you assistance do not go off with them. If you need assistance and this is the only choice, then accept but you give directions for where you go. This way they cannot lure you into another situation.

The most important skill to heighten your safety is to do a self defence class so that you can find confidence when dealing with an attack situation.

Fiona Skene has been teaching self-defence, empowerment and anti-bullying programs since 1984. She has taught over 150 000 students and comes with a depth of knowledge from being educated by experts from all over the world. She has two black belts and has represented Australia in her sport.

There are many tactics and defusion strategies that can be taught to protect yourself through a self-defence class. Let us all take action to protect and empower ourselves from our vulnerabilities, and stop the devastating effects of these hideous crimes.

Please contact Fiona for more information and tips to protect yourself.