A couple of more: if grabbed from behind, drop straight down as quickly as possible instead of struggling, they don't expect that.

If grabbed from in front with their hands on your shoulders, bend your arms at the elbows, reach back with your hands and grab their fingers; peel them up and off of you as much and as quickly as you can, then run, or, if you can't, stomp on their instep, knee them in the groin, whatever is available and always USE your voice as much and as loudly as possible.

Another wonderful thing which helped me to feel safe was a year long tai chi class. My daughter took it, too. She was only about 13 or so. The movements become so automatic. She didn't realise her own strength intil one day a boy in school ran by her locker and swatted her on the back. Without thought, she automatically pivotted in a tai chi manuevre with her arm a certain way which connected with him and sent him into the lockers across the hall. She felt a little badly, but it also felt good to know that she could take care of herself if need be. Our teacher was great in that he taught it more as a moving meditation than for self-defence, BUT he always let us now how it could also be used for the latter.

luvyakat