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Unfortuately, you can follow all of the rules and be extra careful, but nothing can insure that you will not be confronted by dangerous characters. Crime is common and, if you are a woman, so is the chance of sexual assault or other personal attacks. We have tried to give advice which should help you avoid threatening situations, but if we stopped there, we would not be preparing you for the worst. While this is in no way intended to replace a good self defense course, what follows are strategies (both verbal and physical) to use against an aggressor. We hope that you don't have to use them, but we think you should know them so you can be prepared. 
- If the person confronting you only wants money, then give it to him or her, but never allow that person to take you to a more secluded place.
- When in a dangerous situation, make noise by screaming, honking your horn, or doing whatever is necessary to get someone's attention.
- When being physically threatened, the best option is always to flee. Don't be afraid to slip out of whatever clothing necessary in order to get away. You can't worry about modesty when your life might be at stake. No piece of clothing is worth being murdered or raped for.
- When someone first approaches you, don't be afraid to swear at him or her to appear unintimidated. Look the person in the eye and say confidently, "Get the Hell Out of Here!"
- If an attacker grabs you and you can't flee, do your best to throw him off balance: Pull when he pushes, and push when he pulls.
- Don't try to fight the attacker, try to strike him:
- Aim a tight-fisted blow right for the trachea.
- Jab the butt of your hand into his nose.
- Stick your thumbs in his eyes with digging motions.
- If grabbed from behind, use the heel of your shoe to stomp on the attacker's instep.
- Women, in general, have less upper-body strength than men, so they should avoid getting their arms tangled up. Instead you should drop down on your butt and start kicking with piston thrusts, one leg at a time, while you yell. Aim for the groin, knees, or ankles. Your attacker will have to reach down to stop you, and that will throw him off balance.
- In a worst-case scenario, do whatever is necessary to escape the situation. It's your life and body-- don't let anyone else take control of it.
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