If someone is attacking you, it’s your right to use self defense. There are certain parameters that need to be met, though. If your use of force exceeds that of a reasonable person, you could face charges. It’s also important to know what you can do to prevent violence from even happening.
The most effective strategy is avoiding it in the first place. Keep your ears open for threatening remarks and listen to that little voice in the back of your head if you think something doesn’t feel right. If the threat isn’t real, it’s best to run away as quickly as possible before things turn ugly.
If you don’t have the option of running, try to strike your attacker from the front or side. A good punch or kick can deter an attack, and if the attacker is in close range, the groin area might be the best target. This can cause a lot of pain and may even disorient them enough to make their grip loosen.
A hard strike to the nose can be another way to disorient an attacker. It will be painful, but it can also break the nose and make breathing much more difficult for them. If you’re lucky, they will lose their balance and fall over backward, giving you a chance to escape or fight them more firmly.
It’s also a good idea to take some classes in a martial art that can teach you self-defense techniques. Fancy spinning heel kicks might not be very useful in a fight, but learning to kick and punch from various angles will increase your chances of survival in a dangerous situation. Adrenaline will be pumping, and you’ll need to rely on simpler movements since fine motor skills might be compromised.
In addition to fighting skills, there are other tools you can deploy for self defense that might not require much physical strength, such as pepper spray and personal electroshock weapons, depending on where you live. You should also be aware of what types of weapon are legal to carry in your state and the limits of the laws regarding their size, sharpness and power.
Pennsylvania recently passed a law that more closely aligns it with Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” policy, allowing individuals who have been put in harm’s way to defend themselves without the burden of showing they tried to avoid confrontation. The law still requires that you do everything in your power to not be attacked before resorting to self defense, but the burden of proof now falls on the prosecution to prove that your response was not reasonable. This is known as a “reasonable doubt” standard. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights and protect your freedom. Get your free consultation today.