Personal Safety Measures You Can Take To Avoid Being A Crime Victim

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Video Courtesy of Bakersfield PD

Each day I check the Local section of our newspaper to see what types of criminal "activities" are happening in our community. It’s nice to know what areas to avoid. What I see are home burglary/home invasion crimes being committed, robberies and assaults on the streets, business break ins, shootings, stabbings, and more - and this is just in one small city in Northern Indiana.

There are other cities located nearby - large and small - that must have the same type of crime going on. When you read about this type of criminal activity, you have to wonder if people are just unaware that crime is out there? Are they not being aware of what’s going on around them and at least being alert when potential strangers approach them in either an aggressive or confrontational manner? Or are they just plain stupid to certain rimes that are consistently happening over and over??

I’m sorry to have to be so blunt but some of these crimes make you wonder if everyone - including the criminals - are on drugs!! Are we all doing everything we can to proactively ensure our personal safety - at home or wherever we are?

What is your personal protection/safety plan? How are you going to protect and defend yourself against a criminal attacker? One suggestion would be to take a self-defense class to learn defensive techniques that can help you disable an attack/attacker enough to get away to safety. I hightly recommend doing this.

Second, you might consider carrying some type of backup personal protection like pepper spray/mace or bump up the protection a knotch - depending upon activities in your neighborhood - and carry a TASER or stun gun.

Once criminals realize people aren’t going to take these kind of attacks or assaults without a fight - maybe they will get the message. In reality - I DOUBT IT!! Unsuspecting people are just plain easy targets. Especially when the common thought of most people is "crime won’t happen to me!"

Here is a snippet of what was in the Local section of the South Bend Tribune today. I read it to my husband and he just shook his head as if to say "the world has gone crazy!!" What has happened to some people? You know - criminals? What has caused so many people to devalue another person’s life? Some of the problems lie in the fact that the economy is tanking, jobs are scarce, and robbing others is really pretty easy!! DON’T make it easy on the criminal. Be prepared and carry some type of personal protection. As I’ve said SOOOOO many times before - take a self-defense training course to learn the fundamentals of how to protect and defend yourself if attacked.

Personal Assault/Attack Crimes On The Rise - SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE (03/03/10)

Police arrest 3 after shots fired…
Robber spies witness, leaves…
Police investigate suspected theft…
Robber shoves victim into closet - burglarizes home…
Employee suffers stab wound Sunday…
Family violence topic of seminar…
Man reports being tied up, robbed…
Police say local heroin traded dented…
Frightened rider jumps from car…
Ex-boyfriend says shots fired at him…
Teen says woman stole her purse…

Imagine the list of "daily" crimes in larger cities like Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and others. Makes you think of a "war zone" - and with that you need some type of protection to defend yourself!

Again, citizens need to become more aware of what is going on around them and stay alert to strangers approaching them. When going out at night try to go with others, stay out of areas of your town or community that is crime-ridden especially when alone late at night, and know how to protect yourself.

Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!! Learn how you can avoid being a crime victim!!

Share on Facebook

Share This

Three Key Self-Defense Points By Dr. Ruthless

Article & Picture Courtesy of Dr. Ruthless

We now know Grad Student Annie Le was strangled to death, an intimate kill. TV pundits and guests argue– and not very well: Could she, a tiny woman, have defended herself, successfully fought back. Dr. Ruthless reiterates 3 key self defense points that address this situation:

3 Key Self-Defense Points From Dr. Ruthless:

1. Do NOT struggle ineffectually against a man’s superior upper body strength

2. If he’s sitting on you strangling, his weight is likely forward; learn to trap his hands onto your body, or get your hand UNDER his hands or rope then TRAP them, and use your HIPS TO explosively BUCK HIM OFF. DON’T WASTE TIME SCRATCHING AT HIS FACE! You have to GET HIM OFF! Once he’s off balanced, his weight off your hips, pivot & use your legs mercilessly like battering rams, slamming into his face: F Him up! Also wield any handy weapon, the harder hitting or slice-n-dicing the better! You may only have seconds!

3. Work FAST HARD FURIOUSLY. BE EXPLOSIVE.

Check to see what type of self-defense training is offered in your community. If you find that none are available or just want to train at home, get a copy of Dr. Ruthless’ DVD - "Fierce & Female" and learn her dynamic, proactive, self-defense techniques.

Click Here to get your copy today.

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

Share on Facebook

Share This

Dr. Ruthless-Fierce, Female, Self-Defense Expert-On LTHS Radio Friday 9-11-09

Cheryl Watterson, Radio Host, will interview Melissa Soalt aka Dr. Ruthless on the internet radio show Lets Talk Home Security - Friday, September 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.EDT/7:00 a.m. PDT. Be sure to pencil in the date, time, and call-in number (646) 727-3396. You can also listen online @ www.blogtalkradio.com/letstalkhomesecurity.

I am excited to have Melissa aka Dr. Ruthless on the show to discuss how important it is to make women and men’s self-defense and personal safety awareness a high priority. We can’t reiterate enough the importance as we constantly see in the daily news personal assaults, attacks, abductions, and kidnappings against women.

Let’s face it women are the ones mostly under attack by these predators!! That doesn’t mean men aren’t attacked but they aren’t the ones making the nightly news. After seeing Melissa’s awesome videos I just know she’s going to have some great self-defense tips and valuable information for everyone who listens in.

WATCH HER VIDEO TO THE RIGHT UNDER FEATURED VIDEOS

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW W/DR. RUTHLESS - GO TO BTR RADIO WIDGET @ TOP UNDER FIERCE, FEMALE, & FIGHTING BACK

Melissa Soalt aka Dr. Ruthless is an award winning women’s self-defense expert specializing in practical and full-force, scenario-based training methods. She is a Black Belt Hall of Fame Recipient and Woman of the Year, voted "Best Women’s Self Defense" 2008. Since 1986 Melissa has taught thousands of women how to protect themselves from danger and when all else fails, fight back to escape and survive.

A former psychotherapist who has successfully staved off physical attacks, Melissa has been featured on NBC Nightly News and in SELF, Woman’s Day, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek Japan and India’s national newspaper, THE HINDU. She has published numerous articles and is working on a book.

In her acclaimed Fierce and Female DVD, Melissa teaches women how to remain focused and unleash a ferocious (and uncomplicated) counterattack to repel sexual and physical attacks.

Melissa is based in New England, but with a mobile operation, she conducts on-site seminars for groups, companies, organizations and schools. For more information and to preview her methods, visit her website at: www.dr-ruthless.com.

With that type of self-defense background you know the show is going to be packed full of outstanding information.

Be sure to join the conversation with Melissa Soalt aka Dr. Ruthless on Lets Talk Home Security, Friday, 9-11-09 at 10:00 a.m. EDT/7:00 a.m. PDT at (646) 727-3396 or online at www.blogtalkradio.com/letstalkhomesecurity.com.

Share on Facebook

Share This

Survival Facts From Dr. Ruthless - A Lady With A KickA Attitude!

Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive - Surviving Against An Attack!

Courtesy Of Dr. Ruthless & Rabiared

When you read information about women who have made self-defense initiatives for women their life’s work, it is inspiring to realize that there are options for women to stay safe (and stay alive) when confronted by an attacker. When you know how to fight and defend yourself against a predator, you no longer have to live in fear!

Dr. Ruthless (Melissa Soat), self-defense/black belt expert, teaches self-defense and speaks to audiences of women and men about overall self-defense techniques, awareness strategies, and how learning these skills can give you a tremendous sense of empowerment and self-confidence. I have seen Dr. Ruthless’ self-defense videos and she is one "tough" fighter. If all options are exhausted and you must fight for your life - fight back with explosive power and find that "ballistic" alter ego inside that refuses to become a victim of some predator’s assault, attack, or worse..murder.

Dr. Ruthless has an awesome DVD/Video collection entitled "Fierce & Female." It’s a practical no-nonsense program for women and teens! If you are looking for self-defense training in the comfort of your home, check out this DVD collection. Being mentally prepared and having a plan of action if attacked makes you a formidable opponent instead of a victim! Remember, the element of surprise is something the attacker is not going to expect.

The following Survival Factoid is from Dr. Ruthless collection on self-defense and safety tips.

FACT: The first few seconds of an assault (or first sign of real danger) is your best time to act, to break away. The longer a person has control over you the more difficult it becomes to facilitate escape.

Reduce the element of surprise. Ditch "tunnel vision" and develop peripheral vision! Soften your gaze and use your eyes like a sweeping wide angle lens. This can help eliminate blind spots — common angles of attack.

NEVER allow a criminal to take you to another location (not even at gunpoint; not even from the street to the backside of a building). Second locations are always far more dangerous! At a second more isolated location, criminals will have far more control over you. Go ballistic but do not "go with!"

NEVER allow yourself to be tied up! As soon as you see rope, duct tape or cord coming at you, it’s time to "go off!" Learning how could save your life!

High karate kicks that are great tush tighteners are typically impractical in real world self defense. Explosive, shorter range tools of "in fighting" and dirty tactics are more effective and likely to be called into play. (See Fierce and Female Videos. )

Commitment counts! When it comes to fighting back, "will" is as important as skill! Inner focus and resolve can enable you to blast through fear or panic. Intention combined with Killer Instinct is the Mother of Technique!

Adrenaline is a wonder drug! It staves off pain and can infuse you with supernatural powers. But if not managed or utilized efficiently, it can induce terror or panic. (“See Fight Back Against Rape”)

Don’t be afraid to make a scene: Yell! Honk! Throw a rock though a window! Do everything you can to attract attention! Whatever - DO NOT GET INTO A CAR - a second location is not going to be a good thing!

Remain vigilant while driving! Never mind your bad hair. Ambushes at vehicles can be swift and vicious. If approached while in your vehicle and you cannot see an intruder’s hands, drive away!

A moving target is harder to hit! If approached by a gunman and you can escape, RUN! Distance is your best defense! When driving, try to maintain enough room between your vehicle and the one in front to make a quick getaway. In just three seconds at 20 mph a car travels 90 feet — effectively out of range of most shooters.

Say what? Mind your words, especially when dealing with potentially explosive individuals. Use empathy ("I can hear how upset you are…") and non-inflammatory language. If you bump into a wild-eyed punk say, "Oops… I’m sorry!" versus "Outta my way butt-breath!" Warning: Never stick your face where it doesn’t belong!

Tune IN as well as outward! Honoring gut feelings — often present early in a situation or relationship — has saved many women’s lives!

Survival is hard wired! As a culture, women have "learned helplessness" and can unlearn it! Being afraid does not mean being helpless!

For more information about self-defense survival techniques go to www.dr-ruthless.com.

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!

Share on Facebook

Share This

Self-Defense With An Attitude Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Today Self-Defense With An Attitude is celebrating a one-year anniversary blogging about all types of self-defense issues, self-defense techniques and tactics that can help to protect and defend you against an attacker, ways to stay safe whether home or away, personal security and safety awareness issues and much more…..

It’s hard to believe that one full year has gone by since starting SDWAA on December 17, 2007. That shows how fast time is flying by -"like the flip of a switch." I have learned so much about internet technology and stuff to increase my blog site traffic as well as how valuable self-defense and personal security awareness knowledge, education, and training really is - especially for women!

Here are some things I’ve done - both business and personal - that have made the past year zoom by.

Started Self-Defense With An Attitude blog on December 17, 2007 knowing very little about blogging. Today we have (5) blogs and (3) websites. One website is up for sale along with a related blog site. However, they were accomplished within the past year.
In February 2008, I left my position as a Commercial Insurance producer due to an extremely sluggish market. This would be a good time to pursue other career objectives and learn some new safety, self-defense, as well as productive internet busines skills.
Started my second security-related blog - www.homesecurity911.com in Feburary 2008 which is coming along rather well. We’re able to put valuable home security, home invasion prevention content, related pictures and videos on this site. As as top security specialist with ADT Security for twenty years, I enjoy blogging about home security and safety related topics and how to keep people safe.
Took a self-defense class in Chicago called "Fight Like A Girl" and was able to beat on some really nice guys. Of course, I got tossed around a bit myself, but I learned a lot about fighting techniques and fighting from the ground position. The thing I learned most was I don’t ever want to get into a knock down drag out fight with a perpetrator/attacker; so I’ll continue to carry my TASER C2 and pepper spray with me wherever I go!
This self-defense training was awesome. I setup an interview with the RAD Self-Defense Instructor from the the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Elkhart, Indiana to learn more about the program. The article and video was added to the blog site. I ended up taking the RAD Self-Defense Training. I learned some great self-defense techniques and tactics and at the end of the training had to go through what is called "Simulation Night." Sounds pretty scary and guess what…it was! You are blindfolded and then a really "big" guy attacks you from behind. You have to use the tools learned over the past 12 hours (4 separate nights). It was amazing - I knew what to do to fight off the attacker and escape to safety. …it was a very empowering feeling not just for me but for the other ladies in the class as well. Women should consider taking this type of self-defense training. It’s also a great self-confidence builder!
Continued to worked heavily on getting the company website completed - Personal Security Solutions. This took a lot longer than I expected. I’ve decided from now on to only setup blog sites instead of websites. They are easier to work with, more user-friendly, and give you a lot more control.
Took a vacation with family to Alabama in April/May. Then in July went to West Virginia and took the RAD Self-Defense Instructor Certification Course. It was 3-grueling days (8-full hours a day) of non-stop learning all about fight techniques, tactics, and instructor training. At the end we again had a simulation night. I felt much more competent, confident, and empowered when I had to fight. Afterwards we were tested! Received my instructor certification. Glad to get that completed.
Finished my Personal Security Solutions website in late August first part of September. Added a security product store - The Personal Security Store.com where we sell personal protection products.
Added a third blog site to the corporate site - www.personalsecuritysolutions.com/blog. The name of the site is actually Personal Security 911. At some point this site may become it’s own entity.
In October/November set up our fourth blog site - Home Security 101 Workshop.com. This site is where we have our home security workshop training information, security lunch and learn training programs, and our upcoming teleseminar programs. It links right from the corporate site.
In December began a 3-Month Teleseminar Course - Teleseminar Secrets - so that I can reach, teach and discuss the self-defense and home security topics through a teleseminar program format. My goal is to talk with other security experts, crime prevention specialists, self-defense experts, and others who can bring a wealth of knowledge and real-life experiences to my readers/listeners.
In December joined a Blogging Membership Site - "Becoming A Blogger" - Yaro Starak and Gideon, to further my knowledge and education on blogging. So far so good, however, I realize I know a lot of the basic stuff - but I am always open to learning. They have some advanced stuff coming up shortly.

Anyway, the year has flown by and we feel a lot has been accomplished to enhance our overall business and blogging success. We have been working on our goals and plans for 2009. We’re planning to add an internet radio program - Blog Talk Radio to both security blog sites the first part of January 2009. We’re looking at 2009 to be a great year!!

For all of you who have stopped off at our site - THANKS! For those of you who have commented on our site- THANKS! And for those of you who jam up my email with spam because you were spamming our site - well I have another word for you!.

Everyone take care and have a great holiday season!

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

Cheryl, Shaun (middle) & Ken- www.SelfDefenseWithAnAttitude.com

Share on Facebook

Share This

Self-Defense-Defending Against A Sucker Punch Attack

Being aware not only of your surroundings but the people around you is so important. Michael Pace is a self-defense expert who does an outstanding job of providing self-defense instruction videos for women…and men. One of the self-defense tips he gives is about the sucker punch. He says when a perpetrator is about to throw a sucker punch there are some signs that the punch is about to come your way. If you are observant and knowledgeable, you may be able to block the punch and give the attacker an element of surprise. And that surprise is being able to defensively fight back enough to disable the attacker and get away to safety.

If you are in an aggressive confrontation with someone, be sure to watch and see if their right (or left) shoulder drops back slightly. This could be a clear signal that they are getting ready to throw a sucker punch. If you are observant, this may give you enough time to prepare and defend against the incoming punch by throwing your left (or right) arm up to meet the punch. Then you can go into action to quickly defend yourself.

Knowing what to look for and how to react is part of "being prepared." Michael Pace has some excellent self-defense training DVD’s for women. Checkout his website at www.womens-self-defense.com for more information.

Courtesy of Michael Pace - www.womens-selfdefense.com

Share on Facebook

Share This

Be Prepared, Be Ready, And Know How To Fight For Your Life

If You Come Face To Face With An Evil, Violent Predator - Be Prepared To Fight For Your Life!

Back in the old days women were told if faced with a confrontation, physical attack, or sexual assault from a male prepetrator – don’t fight back you’ll only inflame the guy and that will make him madder and meaner. You were told to try and reason with the attacker – try to negotiate your way out of being raped or brutally beaten up - unfortunately many women were still violently murdered.

Not Today Ladies!!! You need to consider that there has been an increase in violent crimes and assaults against women – both young and old – in record numbers all across our country. And what are women doing to protect themselves from this offensive crime?

Women of all ages are starting to stand up and say “WE’RE NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE" and they are learning how to defend and protect themselves. Women are becoming skilled in self-defense and safety awareness techniques and finding that inner female warrior that says, “I’m not going to become a crime victim of some perpetrator’s whim!!” . Read more

Share on Facebook

Share This

Top (5) Personal Safety Tips On Staying Safe and Alive!

Everyday we get up and go about our daily lives and activities without even giving a second thought to our personal safety. In reality, we shouldn’t have to because personal safety should be a part of our being. It should be second nature…a habit that we don’t even have to think about it. We should instinctively know that our personal safety, as well as those we care about, is a high priority no matter what business we are in, what we do, or where we live - from the safest, small community to the largest, most crime-ridden city.

There’s an old adage that many women think concerning violence and crime and that is, “It won’t happen to me.” Either they say, “I’m too big to be raped,” “I’m married and live in a safe area” or “I’m way too old, no one is going to rape me.” That very thinking usually comes about because it hasn’t happened to them, but they are still at risk and at any given time it could happen to them. If you go through life without considering the possibility that a sexual assault crime could happen…then what will you do if it does? You need to be prepared and ready in the event that somebody does try (at some point) to attack you. Read more

Share on Facebook

Share This

Personal Security-Jogging & Walking Tips To Keep You Safe

Courtesy of Lcaplin

Spring is definitely in the air and for a lot of people – this is jogging or walking weather. If you are like me, you want to make sure you are getting your exercise – your cardio – so you feel and look better for the coming summer season.

But guess what? The fact that you might think nothing of throwing on your cute little shorts – your halter top – pulling your hair back into a cute little ponytail and strapping your MP3 player to your upper arm and into your ears – means you should definitely be aware of some crazy predator out there looking for someone just like you – happy go lucky, with the CD or MP3 player going on in her ear, and nonchalantly jogging or walking. (The perfect prey).

Before you do your final stretch to hit the road, consider your personal safety along the way. You may be in a truly positive mode as you’re hitting the road – but the sad fact is – crime is rampant in certain areas – and there are predators out there just looking for someone who appears to be totally unaware of what is going on around her. Read more

Share on Facebook

Share This

Beverly Fisher, Realtor - Discusses Realtor Safety Awareness

Beverly Fisher, Realtor, Century 21 Jim Dunfee Realty

Personal Security Solutions, the parent company of Self Defense With An Attitude, along with Linda Sokol from ADT Security, recently held a Realtor Safety Awareness Seminar for Century 21 Jim Dunfee Realty in South Bend, Indiana. We discussed various safety awareness topics on how realtors can keep themselves safe while on the job, at home, on the road, and basically wherever they go.

Realtors are in a fairly high risk category just by the very nature of their job and our special guest, Beverly Fisher, Broker Associate, from Century 21 Jim Dunfee Realty, mentioned that in her testimonial video. She said, “When you are working the front desk and get a call from someone (lots of times a complete stranger) who wants to meet with you right away, the first thing you do is bolt out to meet him. And sometimes you don’t even tell anyone.” In today’s world that is not always the safest thing to do. Each real estate office should have specific forms for documenting prospective client data, addresses where the agent will be meeting the prospect, and pertinent information that might prove helpful if the agent comes up missing. Read more

Share on Facebook

Share This