Although most of today’s condo design and security systems are top-notch to provide you and your family secure living conditions, there is much to be learned about how recent events are turning out, most especially how it is shedding light on issues about condo security. Condo living isn't exactly cheap, so it's natural to want to make sure that you're getting your money's worth in terms of amenities and security. Violence against women and children are serious matter especially and unfortunately in the Philippines where women easily get catcall and other things that people think it's normal. Unfortunately, worry-free living is a myth. There's just no way you can be 100% sure that nothing bad is going to happen. Still, that doesn't mean you have to live in fear. The next best thing you can do is to simply prepare as much as you can. Part of that is ensuring that you and your family are able to protect one another from physical harm for whatever unfortunate circumstance that may arise due to security mishaps where you live.
Here are some essential self-defense and safety tips for women and children.
For Women
Krav Maga is one of the popular self-defense classes anyone can take, especially for women. Krav Maga is based on a human’s instincts, because of this, it’s easier to learn. When you have that kind of muscle memory, even if you’re not completely aware of an attack, you’ll be at an advantage.
Memorize the vulnerable places.
It doesn't matter how big or heavy your attacker is because you can beat anyone if you know where the most vulnerable spots are. The main ones are the eyes, nose, throat, chest, knees, and groin. You can attack in any way you want, but to be on the safe side, you need to remember that the most effective moves are aimed at these areas.
If your attacker is bigger than you, follow these 2 simple moves to disorient them.
- One of the best moves that will make any giant whimper or drop to his knees is grabbing the wrist. Grab his little finger and his ring finger with one hand, and his middle and index finger with the other and bend the wrist forward.
- If you can't grab your opponent's hand, hit him with a fist or with a finger between the collarbones or into his Adam's apple. This will allow you to disorient your opponent enough that it will take him a long time to come back to his senses.
Attack the Groin Area
Hitting this area will paralyze the attacker and you will have just enough time to escape.
If you are grabbed from the front and you can't lift your hands, do the following: move your hands forward and make a fist in front of your pelvis. This will create enough room between you and the attacker.
After that, hit the attacker's nose with your forehead. This will make the attacker move away from you. Now hit him in the groin with your knee.
If you were approached and grabbed from the side:
An elbow hit is one of the most dangerous hits in all kinds of martial arts. This is exactly the hit you need if you are approached from the side. Hit the attacker's temple, jaw, or nose with an arched move. After this, the attacker will take a few steps back. Now hit him in his belly or chest. Elbow hits are so strong that they will disorient any opponent.
How to stay safe if you aren’t physically able to protect yourself? - Learn to develop boundaries, even with people you know.
Crime statistics published by the Philippine Senate reveal that there were 227 crimes committed in the country for every 100,000 individuals in 2012. On average, this translates to a crime rate of about 18.9 a month and the majority of these cases are sexual violence cases committed against vulnerable women.
Some essential principles of prevention also include:
- Awareness. Make sure you’re aware of your environment as much as possible. Limit distractions when walking from place to place or in other public settings. Don’t constantly stare down at your phone. Make sure you can hear around you. Have keys ready. Walk with a purpose.
- Boundaries. Make it a point to ask yourself why somebody makes you uncomfortable. Be verbal with them. No matter how much you want a friendship or relationship to work, if they can’t respect your boundaries, they’re somebody you shouldn’t have in your life
For your Children
Children can also be susceptible to harm. When most people think of self-defense, they think of hitting back or using another type of physical force for protection. But in a broader sense, self-defense includes being proactive to prevent problems before they happen. It also involves using assertiveness to respond to a bully's/attacker’s attempts at intimidation. Discuss these self-defense strategies with your child to help them ward off bullying behavior.
Using Confident Body Languages
- Walking with purpose directly to their destination is a simple technique that gives off positive, assertive energy. They should walk with their shoulders back and eyes up (not on the ground.)
- Making eye contact in a neutral (not aggressive) way with those around them projects leadership and confidence.
- Smiling at others creates a sense of connection while boosting self-esteem. It also helps ward off social isolation, which can play a role in bullying.
- Talking in a neutral, calm voice to a bully is often very effective. They don't need to respond to any unkind remarks. Instead, they can just say "Excuse me" or "I'm on my way to class, talk to you later." They may also just want to make eye contact and ignore whatever the bully said.
Focus on Flight, Not Fight
Sometimes kids don't realize that when things look like they could head in the wrong direction, they should just turn around and walk away. Reassure your child that it is not cowardly to walk away. Instead, remind them that it takes courage to leave a situation that is escalating.
Use an Assertive Voice
If your child does end up in a potential bullying situation, using a confident voice and being assertive can help diffuse the situation. Many times, bullies are looking for an easy target.
Like confident body language, a strong, confident voice may cause bullies to back off. Have your children practice speaking assertively at home, and when they are in a difficult situation it will come more easily.
We hope that this read was able to equip you and your loved ones with adequate knowledge about self-defense and what you can do to protect yourself and your family from harm.
Learn all these techniques indoors. Check out the condominium properties of Vista Residences that offer safe and secure environment.
Vista Residences is the condominium arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. that offers ready for occupancy and pre-selling condominium projects in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Ortigas, Baguio, Cebu, and CDO that are strategically located within major cities, in close proximity to premium universities, transit oriented locations and developed business districts.
At Vista Residences, unit owners can take advantage of the property’s centrality. The properties of Vista Residences are strategically located near the country’s premium universities and CBDs, making them an attractive investment for both local and foreign investors.
Living in Vista Residences enables you to enjoy convenience, where everything is pretty much within walking distance or a few minutes away from the property; comfort because the project features and amenities are designed to deliver comfort at all times, which makes condo living a worthy investment; security that is 24/7 and CCTV monitoring, which makes the residents safe and secure within the property.
In line with Vista Residences’ thrust to offer convenience among its residents, it also features an AllDay Convenience Store and Coffee Project in all its projects.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
