It’s always a good idea to avoid potentially dangerous situations whenever you can, but that is not always a feasible option. Sometimes, trouble finds you no matter how diligent you are about keeping yourself in safe-surroundings. In those instances, a self-defense background is useful in case you need to protect yourself from assault. However, even a seemingly small decision on where and how you stand when faced with these types of threats can significantly increase your odds of preventing injury.

Environmental awareness is essential whenever you’re faced with a potential assailant or threat, and ordinary objects potentially play an essential role in you escaping the situation unscathed.

Distance

Distance is always your first and best defense against a possible assailant. If someone you don’t know approaches you, try to stay at least an arm-and-a-half length away from him. This puts you in a safe zone where the other person can’t grab you without really lunging forward, giving you a chance to escape. If a stranger steps forward into this safe zone, take a step back to preserve that distance. Tell the person politely but firmly that you’d prefer that he keep that distance away from you. Some panhandlers often try to step uncomfortably close as a means of subtle intimidation, especially if that person is taller or larger. The person may not mean any harm, but he should then respect your wish to remain at a distance after you express it.

Barriers

Ordinary objects are potential life savers in the event of a conflict.

If you’re confronted by someone who makes you uncomfortable or who is threatening in any way, try to keep a sizable object or barrier between you. This helps preserve that arm-and-a-half distance range, while also providing an obstruction that the other person has to bypass to get to you. A car is useful for this if you are outside or in a parking lot. A pillar is useful as well. Furniture fits this purpose as well, especially larger pieces like tables or beds. If the person tries to climb over the object, you have a chance to run away while he does so. Move in a circular fashion if the potential assailant tries to get around your barrier, countering his movement so the object remains between the two of you. Meanwhile, scream for help if you need it.

Doorways

Doorways are useful when confronted with multiple attackers. The strategy of a group attack is almost always to surround the victim so there is always someone available to attack from the blind side. However, only one person can fit through a doorway at a time. If you suspect a group is about to cause you trouble, find a nearby doorway and step through to the other side. If they try to assault you, you will need to stand your ground at the door if escape is not possible. This ensures you only have to deal with one assailant at a time instead of multiple attackers. If you get pushed back to where multiple attackers are coming through the doorway, the position is lost and you need to keep objects between you and them. Retreat out another exit if possible.

Body Positioning

Your body language says a lot about you when you are confronted. Assailants looking for easy targets assess body language when deciding who to pursue, rob or assault. If someone you don’t know confronts you, stand with your feet shoulder-length apart, with one foot further forward then the other to give you balance. Turn our body slightly sideways, which should feel natural given the angled position of your feet. This helps protect your “center line” of your nose, throat, solar plexus and genitals by turning them away and making those targets smaller for an attacker to hit.

Don’t raise your fists up in a combative stance unless you know you’re in danger, because this could actually instigate a problem where one didn’t exist previously. Instead, cross your arms over yourself, with your lead arm on top and your further-way arm on bottom. Place your lead hand on your other shoulder and rest it there. This can look casual when done correctly, implying that you’re relaxed and listening to what the other person is saying. However, it is a useful defensive stance because it helps protect your sternum while also keeping your arms elevated in case you need to defend yourself. Keep your chin down a bit towards your chest to protect both your jaw and throat.

Use of Distraction

Escape is the best option if a confrontation looks imminent. But you sometimes need to create an opening for that escape to be possible. Look for handheld items nearby that you can use to throw, and try to get yourself closer to them without giving away your intention. Even if the items miss their target, the other person has to duck or move out of the way to avoid them, giving you a moment of distraction with which to make an escape. If no escape is possible, these items can be used for striking weapons, depending on how hard or sharp they are. If you have to defend yourself aggressively, even throwing a soft item at an assailant can open up a better target for you to strike.

Violence is never the preferred way of getting out of a situation, and it needs to always be the last resort. Using proper distance, maintaining barriers between yourself and the other party and acting in a calm and confident way helps send the message that your potential attacker is better off leaving and finding an easier victim. Always stay aware of your surroundings, and know what you can use to your advantage so that you aren’t caught unawares if someone tries to cause you harm, either in your own home or out in public.