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!

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!

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