Due to frequent UT Alerts, that I now regret signing up for, I can’t help but watch my back when I’m walking home from my late nights in Hodges (or other places). Although our campus is beautiful and full of rich orange history, the Fort is just plain scary after the hours of 8 p.m. I’ve come to rely on holding my phone to my ear the entire walk home as some sort of defense, however I’m realizing that I should probably learn some helpful defenses. From women4hope.wordpress.com, here are some tips on how women can protect themselves in chilling situation.
Trust the elbow…
The elbow is actually one of the most used body parts in Tae Kwon Do and as well as the strongest point on the body. So if you are at a vantage point to use…USE IT!
Throw the purse…
Typically a perpetrator just wants money, your purse or for us, backpacks. So if they demand it, throw it as far away from you as you can. This gives you the opportunity to run like the wind in the opposite direction.
Just mace it…
A girl’s best friend is not diamonds, contrary to Marilyn Monroe, it’s her can of mace. Keeping this in hand and ready to go when you’re walking alone through the Fort will give you peace of mind, and hopefully you won’t have to use it! Visit safetygirl.com to chose between a plethora of pepper sprays and personal alarms.
Utilize UTPD…
Our trusty and ever-so-brave UT police department has a Campus Emergency number to use for these situations. If you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable or worried, just call 865.974.3111, even if it ends up being a false alarm. Log this number into your contacts right now because we’d rather be safe than sorry, right?
Keep your keys…
If you are walking alone, have everything you need out and ready for once you get to the door. The last thing you want to do is be fumbling through your purse or backpack for your keys or cell phone. Have one in each hand. You can also keep a key between your fingers, pointing out. That way if you do have to fight, you pack a little more bite in your punch.
Safety is key when you are a girl walking through the Fort. Make sure you have the knowledge you need to protect yourself. UT offers a Rape Aggression Defense class if you want to be better educated.