Self-Defense 4 Women–A Tragedy Turns Into Hope For Other Women

Roger Kemp’s young daughter Ali, age 19, was murdered in 2002. Roger turned a horrible tragedy that will forever affect his family and turned it into a safety and self-defense awareness tribute so other women may have a better chance of surviving a brutal attack by a criminally crazed and murderous predator.

Here is a video of Roger Kemp’s story - Courtesy of CBS News.

(CBS) None of us gets through life without facing tragedy. But with it often comes an opportunity to turn something bad into something good. CBS News correspondent Cynthia Bowers reports on a Missouri man who did that - part of our "American Spirit" series.

In a crowded gym just outside Kansas City, Mo., 300 women and girls are learning to fight back. They are there because of a girl most of them never met - Ali Kemp.

"We wanted to do this self-defense class in honor of Ali," said Roger Kemp, Ali Kemp’s father and the founder of the Kemp TAKE Foundation, "because Ali fought and fought for her life."

But tragically 19-year-old Ali didn’t make it. In 2002, the only daughter of Roger and Kathy Kemp was brutally raped and strangled at her neighborhood pool. Her parents faced the unimaginable: How to go on in a world without Ali.

"Early on I realized you have two choices: You can pull the covers over your head and stay in bed, or you can get out and say you’re going to fight it," Roger Kemp said. "And I fought it."

His first mission was to find Ali’s killer. Two years passed and then Kemp had a revelation.

"I was driving by and saw a billboard near where Ali is buried and thought, ‘Why not?’" he said.

He put up what looked like an old-fashioned wanted poster. Outdoor advertising company Lamar donated some of the billboards and a national trade group pushed them nationwide.

And it worked. The billboard generated tips that led police to the predator. Law enforcement took notice and Kemp’s idea took off. Similar billboards are now up in 40 states.

But catching his daughter’s killer wasn’t enough for Kemp. He wanted to make sure other girls got the fighting chance his daughter did not.

He set up a foundation in Ali’s name and began offering free self-defense training. Since 2005, more than 38,000 women in 15 states have learned basic skills.

Each year, the Kemp TAKE Foundation teams up with baseball’s Kansas City Royals to hold a class at Kauffman Stadium.

Carolyn Regimand came to a recent training event with her two daughters Akarra and Sarra.

"I hope it never happens to me, but if it does, I’ll know what to do," Sarra said.

Giving girls that sense of empowerment is what gives Roger Kemp a sense of purpose.

Kemp says he hopes his daughter would be proud of him.

"I’m sure proud of her," he said. "Her mother and I always thought she was going to make a difference in this world."

And she is making a difference to thousands of women around the country.

Be sure to checkout Roger Kemp’s book about his daughter - "Ali Was Here" available at Amazon Books.

CLICK HERE TO AMAZON BOOKS.

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

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Mall Parking Lot Safety During The Holiday Season

Black Friday is on November 27, 2009 and officially kicks off the holiday shopping season. Your safety and security while out shopping, enjoying the holiday festivities, and entertaining should be high on your priority list.

With the number of personal assaults, carjackings, robberies, home burglary and home invasion robbery crimes increasing at this time of year, it is imperative that you consider some personal safety strategies as you enjoy this special time of the year.

Here are some personal safety tips for staying safe as you leave the mall and head to your car in the mall parking lot. Keep in mind that this is where potential criminals may be hanging out waiting for unsuspecting victims.

It’s important to be alert as you are shopping and to notice if anyone seems to be "eyeing you" or following you a little too closely. If you are shopping in a highend store buying high dollar gifts, you may be a "target of opportunity" for the would-be criminal perpetrator. Crank up your intuitive antenna a little this holiday season. Times are tough for many people and turning to crimes like personal robberies in easy locations - like the shopping malls or mall parking lots - are on the rise!!

Please pass this information on to other women you know. Thanks.

7-Safety Tips For Mall Parking Lot Safety During The Holiday Season

1. Be aware and alert to your surroundings at all times as you are going to your car. Notice who is hanging around the parking lot - especially at night. If you are talking away on your cell phone and not paying attention to what’s going on around you, you are exactly the person the perpetrator is looking to attack. You may think you are aware, but in reality you aren’t. You may not be able to respond to a person attack as quickly if you aren’t clearly paying attention. A young lady with arms full of packages and bags trying to find her vehicle is the criminal’s ideal "target" Especially if she is alone talking away on her cell phone. Be fully aware and totally alert as you walk to your car.

2. Have your keys in your hands and be prepared to use your them as a weapon if you are assaulted or attacked. Your keys can be a good weapon to ward off an attacker if used appropriately. Another secondary weapon would be to carry pepper sprayor mace on your keychain. If you carry personal protection, know how to properly use it and ensure you are following local laws in your area. A personal alarm with a 130 decibel alarm combined with a flashlight is another excellent protection device that would alert anyone nearby that you need help. If you are shopping at night, this would allow you to see inside your car and illuminate UNDER your vehicle as you approach. If there is someone underneath the car, he might not have the strength to hold onto your leg or ankle from such an awkward position. (However, in a severe assault if someone tries to slice one of your achilles tendons before you realize he is there…you may not be able to walk). Walk to your car with confidence, be prepared, and have some type of personal protection.

3. As you near your car, only unlock the driver’s side door with your remote. If you have a newer car, you can probably unlock your car from quite a distance away. Wait until you are fairly close to your car before unlocking the door and then only unlock your side. When you press the remote button more than once, it will unlock all doors. Don’t give a lurking perpetrator the ability to quickly enter the passenger side of your car.

4. Before getting into your car (especially at night), check to make sure there is not someone hiding inside. As mentioned a dual personal alarm with a loud siren and built-in flashlight will allow you to check inside your car at night. Many people are not in the habit of locking their car doors making it extremely easy for a predator to get inside your car and wait for you. Get into the habit of always locking your doors when exiting your car.

5. Don’t leave your valuables unattended. This is a great time for the criminal to rip off your packages or your purse. If you’re trying to get a baby strapped into the seat, look around to see who is nearby. If it looks okay, get your child strapped in and then put your valuables in the backseat or trunk. Always be looking around and monitoring the situation. You don’t want to give someone the ability to force you into your car OR the trunk because you were not closely paying attention. Remember these creeps are opportunistic -don’t make it easy for them!!

6. If you’re going to be shopping for awhile, be sure to wear comfortable shoes…and that’s not high heels. If you are attacked as you head to your car, you may not be able to get away quickly if you have on 3” high heels. Nix the heels for some comfortable shows. Think safety first.

7. Avoid parking near large vehicles or shrubbery or up close to a building – especially if you are by yourself. If you are walking out to your car alone late at night to an unlit area covered with shrubs, you may become a target for some predator looking for an easy prey. If you can’t find a parking spot and have to park there, come back before it gets too dark and move the car closer to the entrance. Or you could have the mall security walk you to your car. When returning to your vehicle, be leery of large vans or utility type vans with sliding doors parked right next - almost too close - to your drivers side of your car. If your gut tells you this doesn’t feel right, go back into the mall and have security escort you out to your car. If you decide to get in without security, do so from the passenger side but make sure you lock doors immediately upon entering and exit the parking lot right away. Remember to listen to your intuition - your gut!

One thing that I would like to encourage women (and men) is to take some type of self-defense training or personal safety awareness training. Knowing the right techniques and strategies to protect and defend yourself in a personal assault, attack, or carjacking may very well save your life.

There you have it - simple Personal Safety Tips for holiday mall shopping that can keep you safe…and alive!!

Remember..Stay Aware..Stay Alert..Stay Alive!! Happy Holidays!

For all your personal protection needs - i.e., Pepper Spray, Mace, Stun Guns, TASERs, or the 4 n 1 Emergency Tool, go to www.thepersonalsecuritystore.com.

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Personal Security, Self-Defense & Staying Safe In A ‘Violent Culture’

Staying Safe In A Violent Culture

There have been so many cases recently where young women have been abducted never to be seen again. Or young women have been murdered - one in particular by a co-worker. Then you have children who have been abducted and to the horror of the parents have been found murdered. What is becoming of our society? Why is there so much violence going on in our country? How do we keep ourselves and our children safe in a violent culture?

The violence against women is staggering! It should make all women, men, and parents take dramatic action to ensure they can protect themselves and their children against violent predators. There are sexual predators and child molesters out there lerking and stalking…ready and waiting for the perfect time to pounce upon their victim! When you do not anticipate an attack or are not prepared to protect and defend yourself, then you are at a very great disadvantage!

Stay Aware..Stay Alert..Stay Alive

Being aware and alert to your surroundings no matter where you are is vitally important! Don’t get into the mindset that this type of violence won’t affect you and your family. That only causes you to become complacent. It shouldn’t take a heartbreaking loss of life - a murder, a violent attack, a homicide by a violent maniac - for people to wakeup and take action to protect themselves and their children. But sometimes that is exactly what it takes for people to wake up and take action.

Here is an article from Robert Siciliano about staying safe in a violent culture by learning and using personal safety awareness strategies and self-defense training and techniques. (CLICK HERE TO READ MORE).

Parents protect your children.

There are self-defense programs available for kids. RAD Self-Defense For Kids is one such program that is available in cities throughout the U.S. Women can also take a RAD Self-Defense class in their local community. Most colleges and universities offer RAD training classes on camplus. Check with local law enforcement to see what type of self-defense programs they offer. There are some amazing self-defense experts online who offer programs through DVD’s or on-site company programs.

Personal Protection Products

Don’t forget there are excellent personal protection products available that can be a secondary level of protection and a backup to your self-defense training. You may want to carry pepper spray on your keychain, in your purse, or keep it in your car. Products like Pepper Spray, Mace, TASER C2, Stun Gun or Personal Alarms are non-lethal devices and are meant to disable an attacker enough for you to get away to safety and call 911.

If you carry one of these products, know how to properly use it. Go to www.ThePersonalSecurityStore.com and check out all the excellent personal protection products that can help keep you safe.

Here are some personal safety tips from Robert Siciliano when walking.

Maintain body language that projects strength.
Don’t slump.
Walk with purpose.
Maintain good posture.
Project a tough facial expression.
Use eye contact that "turns a man to stone" and doesn’t seem welcoming.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially things that are out of place.
Be aware of the body language of others.
Listen to your intuition.
Mentally practice "what ifs" — that is, figure out what you would do if something happened.

(To read more of the program about Robert Siciliano CLICK HERE).

Remember Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

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Girls & Guns - Women Take Control Of Their Own Self-Defense

Video Courtesy of TrainSafeWI

There’s a growing trend among many women today - they are learning how to fight back and protect themselves against the tremendous increase in violence against them!

Women are taking control of the own destiny by learning self-defense training AND purchasing guns to ensure they don’t become a victim of a violent mugging, physical attack, or worse yet murder. By taking a quality self-defense class, women can learn strong self-defense techniques and tactics to protect and defend themselves against a violent attacker.

Unfortunately, even if you know self-defense tactics what happens when the attacker is a 250 lb madman? You may need a stronger secondary source of protection to save your life. Look at the recent murder of Annie Li, the Yale grad student who was murdered by a co-worker. The person who murdered her was twice her size.

One point to mention - women should make it a habit to always be aware and alert to their surroundings - especially when they are alone. Also be sure to listen to any "gut instincts" that says there is something "wrong" about a situation that just doesn’t feel quite right. Your instincts may be telling you that you’re in a dangerous place - so get out of that situation as quickly as you can!

If you are physically assaulted or attacked, chances are likely that no one will be around to help save you - certainly not the police. Even if you call 911 for help you may get an inept 911 operator who spends more time questioning and talking instead of quickly dispatching the police who may be able to save your life. We’ve all heard these unfortunate 911 horror stories.

Whatever the situation more women are taking control of their own self-defense and making the decision to protect themselves with a gun. If you are one of these women, be sure to keep firearm safety in the forefront and take the necessary firearm safety training. It will help remove some of the fear women may have about carrying a firearm and provide the knowledge needed to operate, handle, clean, and care for the weapon.

After taking the necessary safety training, many women report they join a gun club or association to enhance their skills and to provide a comradere with other women gun owners. Stay safe!

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

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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.

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Do You Help The Guy In Need When He Asks For Money?

Times are really tough right now. The economy sucks and many people are out of work. If you are lucky enough to have a job, good for you! When companies are closing their doors and laying off people, desperate people tend to do desperate things - like rob innocent people. Of course, there are those people who are too darn lazy to even try to work because it is easier to rob and steal from others.

You read in the paper and hear on the news each day about people who are being attacked on the street, as they leave the restaurant, local pub, or shopping mall. Too many people are lax about their personal safety never even considering that a personal assault or attack may happen to them.

Today I read in the paper that a man was robbed and hit in the head with a beer bottle as he is pumping gas at a local gas station. He said that while he was pumping gas at 11 p.m. three men asked him for money. He told them he didn’t have any and the men knocked him down, assaulted him and robbed things from his truck. I’m sure this guy had not considered that this situation would be imminent.

My husband and I stopped at a McDonald’s on the Chicago toll way the other night and as we approached our car, I could see a guy coming towards my husband. My first thought was to avoid him and get inside my car. He asked my husband for money because his car had crapped out on him. First of all, if you are in dire straights like that wouldn’t you call someone you know instead hitting up a complete stranger for money - unless you have a scam on your mind? I motioned for my husband and we went straight to our car trying to avoid the man.

It really is sad that you have to react that way but these type of criminal assaults are happening regularly. It is hard to tell a real situation when someone may desperately need help from a scam where someone is trying to rob you of your cash or valuables. It is important that we all become more proactive in our personal security and safety - and know what to do to keep ourselves and our family safe wherever we are.

Here are some simple strategies to keep yourself safe when you are out and about.

1. Take a local self-defense training class. One that I highly recommend is the RAD Self-Defense Training. Check with your local law enforcement agency for any training they sponsor. Knowing self-defense techniques, strategies, and how to defend yourself against an attacker is a must especially in our trying times. I have always recommended self-defense classes for women but men are being attacked quite a bit lately. Where men think they can handle themselves, many of the attackers are coming in groups of 2-3 attackers on one. If you are at least trained in self-defense awareness, you stand a better chance of defending yourself even if it against 2-3 attackers.

2. Carry some type of personal protection when out on the street, especially if you are out by yourself late at night. Excellent non-lethal protection like Pepper Spray, Mace, TASER C2, Stun Gun, or a loud personal alarm are easy to carry in your purse or pocket and can be very effective if personally attacked or assaulted. Make sure you are well aware how to use these personal protection devices. More and more individuals are opting to carry a concealed lethal weapon like a firearm. Once again be sure to take the necessary training when you carry a firearm. This is a deadly weapon and you want to make sure you are totally in command of your weapon should an attack/assault situation happen to you.

Personal awareness is key here. Be aware of your surroundings and try not to be out late at night by yourself. Criminals are looking for individuals who look weak and vulnerable. Be sure to carry yourself with confidence and make sure you speak in a commanding voice if a stranger approaches you in a confrontational manner.

Consider your personal safety a priority at all times. There are way too many people who will have no problem assaulting you for whatever valuables or cash you may be carrying.

Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!

Checkout a complete list of non-lethal Personal Protection Products at my website: http://www.ThePersonalSecurityStore.com

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What Is Your Personal Protection Of Choice?

The first and foremost personal protection that I carry with me 24/7 is my mind - my awareness, knowledge, gut instincts, education, and training to be able to protect and defend myself in certain situations. Then I always carry on my person a TASER C2 and Pepper Spray on my keychain. I hope I never have use any of my personal protection, but having it with me gives me a bit more confidence that I have the tools necessary to protect and defend myself.

This is what my TASER C2 looks like. I know a criminal is not going to want to know what this feels like.

Watch this video of someone who got hit by a TASER. He lets you know you don’t want to "Take That TASER."

Video Courtesy of Taser Man

I keep one of the Pepper Spray units on my keychain, one in my car, and the larger one in my home near the front door in case of a forced intrusion.

With personal robbery crimes, carjackings, sexual attacks, personal assaults on the rise, we should be mentally, physically, and personally prepared to defend ourselves against a criminal attack.

If you have not encountered any type of personal crime, now is a good time to become well-prepared by taking a self-defense and/or personal safety awareness class. No one wants to be a victim of crime but if you shrug it off and say it won’t happen to you - you are potentially setting yourself up to become a victim of crime.

A perpetrator can spot the person who has let their guard down, who isn’t paying attention to what is going on, and appears to be an "easy" victim. Don’t be that person! Lately there have been more attacks on women in the parking lots of some large super stores and shopping malls. Although they have good lights and some even have surveillance cameras, if you are not paying attention, someone can quickly and easily force you into your vehicle or into their vehicle with no recourse from you. Read more

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Deadly 911 Operator Error - Take Charge Of Your Self-Defense And Personal Security

The word is DON’T totally rely upon others for your personal safety. You must take charge of your self-defense, your personal security, and your protection. It’s your responsibility so make sure you fight to live another day - for yourself and for your family.

The links below are of an audio/transcript of a crime victim, Olidia Kerr Day, who was calling a 911 dispatch operator to send a police officer to help her. She was being violently pursued by a crazed stalker. She must have known he was going to murder her.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-0619plantation911.audio,0,2747111.wmafile (Audio of 911 Call)

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-dispatch-call-0511,0,5791702,print.story (Transcript of 911 Call)

This audio is a horrible reminder that there are MANY 911 operators who are totally incompetent. Don’t put your life completely in their hands and expect that the police will arrive and be able to save you from a violent crime. You should be proactive in your own personal safety and learn what options you have to protect and save your life. You don’t want to end up like Olidia Kerr Day!

Are you are in a relationship of domestic violence? If so, seek help from the local authorities or domestic violence organizations. Take charge of your self-defense and personal protection by becoming educated, both physically and mentally, on how to protect and defend yourself.

By taking some type of self-defense training, you will gain the self-confidence and self-empowerment to know what to do in a dangerous assault situation. Remember to continually practice your self-defense techniques so they remain fresh over time. The RAD Self-Defense training offers former students refresher training anytime at no addtional cost.

If your attacker is truly a crazed, violent person, you may have to resort to carrying some kind of personal protection for the safety of yourself and your family. Many women carry non-lethal protection such as a stun gun, advanced Taser, a Taser C2, or pepper spray. Read more

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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

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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

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