It’s hard to talk about, deeply frightening and something no one wants to think about. But assaults happen — that’s the unfortunate reality of the world we live in. However, anyone can learn some simple techniques to protect themselves. Here are some basic self-defense tidbits and resources that will help if ever — God forbid — you’re attacked.

1. Learn techniques for escaping from zip ties. It’s helpful to know how they work and how to get out of them, just in case.

2. Scream, shout and make loud, startling noises. It might sound simple — maybe even too simple — but can make a big difference by startling the attacker.

self-defense techniques — Photo: theguardian.com

3. Slap the attacker’s ears. Hitting the opponent’s ears sends pressurized air into their ear canal and will knock them off balance.

self-defense techniques — Photo: cracked.com

4. Target weak points of the body. Remember that one scene from Miss Congeniality? Sandra Bullock’s S.I.N.G. is a legitimate self-defense technique. Targeting weak points of the body such as the eyes, toes, nose, neck, groin, knees and solar plexus will hurt or slow your attacker, at least momentarily, allowing you time to get away.

5. Rotate your hand toward the attacker’s weakest point, between the thumb and index finger, if someone grabs you by the wrist. You might be able to break free from their hold by making this simple adjustment.

self-defense techniques — Photo: buzzfeed.com

6. Use personal items (such as a comb) as a weapon. You’d be surprised the damage you can do with something seemingly ordinary.

self-defense techniques — Photo: cracked.com

7. Head to the kitchen if attacked in your home. Because you know exactly where the knives and spices are, you can use them against your attacker.

self-defense techniques — Photo: tumblr.com

8. Use your head. A head butt can cause serious damage. Just make sure you’re hitting them with the right part of your head so you don’t hurt yourself.

self-defense techniques — Photo: cracked.com

9. Learn the phases of a sexual assault to maximize your chances of getting away. Knowing the phases allows you to feign compliance at just the right moment, increasing the chances that the attacker will loosen their grip so that you can escape.

10. Wear your hair down if possible. Ponytails can be used by attackers to grab hold of their victim.

self-defense techniques — Photo: nymag.com

11. Run. Run fast and run far — as far away from the danger as you can.

self-defense techniques — Photo: cracked.com

12. Download safety apps to your phone. It’s the easiest tip of them all. Have safety apps on your phone just in case something happens.

self-defense techniques — Photo: giphy.com

For information on simple self-defense techniques, check out these resources:
ITS Tactical
12 Self-defense tips that could come in handy one day
16 Surprisingly simple self-defense techniques
Basic Self-Defense Moves Anyone Can Do (and Everyone Should Know)

Are you an expert in self-defense? Share what you strategies you know in the comments!

READ NEXT: The imagined danger of blackness

self-defense

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week