I'm trying to be true to my New Years' Resolution for Mudcat: to stay on topic and prevent thread drift. Therefore---.

There are many systems of self defense which are promoted or sold around the world and some unfortunately just invite problems. Here are a few sound ideas I have encountered that are probably the best in basics.

Be mentally prepared. Know your strengths and weakness before hand and behave accordingly. Very few women are proficient in hand-to-hand combat and those who are proficient still seek to avoid situations where it may become necessary.

The "Buddy System". Always go with one or more people if you can. The more the merrier and safer.

Park and walk in well lighted areas. Be aware of your surroundings. Check for lurkers. If you feel uneasy about a situation go find some trusted person to go with you. Call for an officier or call a cab even if you have to leave your car 'til later. Go with you gut feelings.

If you carry mace, pepper spray or some such, be sure you know how to use it and what to do after you use it. The latter usually involves running away and yelling "call 911" here in the US. If you are carrying keys, pick out the longest one and carry it protruding between your middle and ring finger of your strongest hand.

In descending order of value as a "soft target" go for the eyes, ears, throat, arch of the foot (stomp it hard), groin. Most creeps will be expecting the groin and will be prepared to defend that area.

No matter what happens NEVER let someone take you to another location. Nothing that's going to happen to you where you are is going to be as bad as what will happen if you allow someone to transport you. That's up to and including death. Always fight and always give it your all because you are fighting for your life. If a bad guy is going to kill you, make him kill you in public where they stand a better chance of getting caught. These guys who prey on women are cowards at heart and with usually take off if met with strong resistance.

Every situation is different and the dynamic variations can change your strategies for defense. If it is a domestic situation make sure someone knows the score, what is really going on with you. The more who know the better. Guys who bully their wives or girlfriends try to isolate them from family and friends so they can continue their torture tactics undisturbed. Find the courage to let someone know.

Take a self-defense class. Invite your friends also. Just think! Two or more ladies who are self-confident and able to inflict serious hurt on some creepazoid!!

I hope this post will generate some discussion and awareness. I know there are a lot of other good ideas out there. I didn't list all I know. God bless you lovely ladies and take care of yourselves. All good folk everywhere will benefit from the protection you afford.