Self defense: don't be a helpless victim

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Female McConnell Airmen and family members were given ways to protect themselves during a women's self defense class here June 27, 2013.

Presenters from the 22nd Security Forces Squadron, Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff's office demonstrated defensive tactics and tips during the class.

Staff Sgt. Heather Flanagan, 22nd Security Forces Squadron dispatcher, discussed an important first step in protecting one's self -- situational awareness, especially while alone.

"Know what and who is around you at all times," said Flanagan.

While most women will never have to use self-defense tactics, having basic knowledge and willpower can play a large role in evading harm.

"The main thing to keep you safe is not your physical strength and ability," said Rebecca Johnson, Wichita Police Department patrol officer and department defensive tactics instructor, "but your mentality."

Johnson outlined the two reasons women can be targeted by predators -- lack of awareness and body language.

Habits such as checking the back seat before entering your car, being aware of what vehicles you park next to and not going to ATMs when it's dark outside, can increase the odds of avoiding an aggressor.

Through body language, predators often look for individuals who appear to be weak.

Don't look down at the phone while walking, stand tall with your head straight and keep your eyes alert, said Johnson.

She also recommended keeping your hands free if possible. "Carry your purse high on your shoulder or across your body. A purse swinging in your hand is an easy target to grab."

Another recommendation from Johnson was to "arm yourself." It could be pepper spray, a stun gun or a hand gun, but even something as simple as a whistle can be a deterrent to an attacker.

"You have to be willing to use whatever force you have," she said. "If you aren't prepared or willing to use , it might not be your best choice."

Elbows, knees, feet and hands are also weapons against an attacker and simply yelling and screaming will often scare-off assailants.

"The point isn't to beat them up," said Johnson, "but to get away and draw attention to the situation."

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Loeb, 22nd Operation Support Squadron first sergeant and Sedgwick County deputy sheriff, spoke to attendees about sexual assault cases and the importance of being prepared for natural responses your body could go through during an assault situation.

Bodily reactions - flight, fight or freeze - in any situation can lead to tunnel vision, adrenaline rushes and increased blood flow to your core.

Capt. Jeff Scoggins, 344th Air Refueling Squadron pilot and safety officer, hosted the informative class because of his strong belief in individuals learning self defense, especially women.

"I have a wife, a daughter and three sisters who I love dearly and want them to be prepared in life," he said. "Learning self-defense techniques not only teach someone how to defend themselves, this knowledge empowers people."