One in five women are sexually assaulted. This statistic may not seem real to you and you may think it will never happen to you, but what if it does?

As people live their everyday life, they often don't expect the unexpected. People don't expect someone offering to open their car door to do anything but help, but it is possible that at some point you may be caught off guard. You may be in a situation that seems perfectly safe until you later realize the presence of danger.

In these types of situations, it is best to have a game plan of how you will respond. You need a plan of action for in the event you need to defend yourself. By having a plan ahead of time, your body can respond naturally by staying calm and executing.

Most people have a fight or flight response, but others will freeze. Freezing is the option you should try to avoid. You never want to be helpless and let the attacker have complete control. Most people can use their flight response by simply running away, so I am going to focus on the defense method of fighting.

In regards to this self-defense method of fighting, I have listed some important tactics to remember:

1. Once you are aware that someone is trying to hurt you, the first thing you should say is "Stop. Leave me alone. Don't touch me." You want to say this in a loud, forceful manner. Have a look on your face that matches the persistence in your voice. You can practice this in front of the mirror at home, but you may want to make sure nobody is around so they don't begin to question your sanity.

2. You want to keep some distance between yourself and the attacker if possible. Always stand with your hands out in front of you in ready position. By having your hands out in front of you and not in your pockets, you are giving yourself the advantage of time. If you aren't ready and prepared, you will be one step behind your attacker.

3. Have your strong leg in back and step with your back foot. It is important to not only move your body by bracing yourself with your strong leg, but you can always use this leg to bring a knee up into your attacker.

4. Meet force at 90 degrees. For instance, if you are being pegged against the wall, you can slide out by moving to the left or the right instead of coming straight towards your attacker.

5. The thumb is the weakest part of someone's grip. Always pull your body away by going towards the grip of their thumb. You will have the most success by focusing in on and fighting their weaknesses.

In addition to these important tactics, I have listed some helpful knowledge to keep in mind:

1. Distraction is key. Human beings cannot focus on two thing at the same time. Be smart and use this to your advantage.

2. If an attacker has your arm or leg, refrain from focusing on what you don't have, but remember everything you still have to fight with. For instance, if you are in a headlock, then you still have both of your legs and both of your arms to defend yourself.

3. Be alert in parking lots, public restrooms, and parking garages. People are easily distracted with their cell phones and are typically completely unaware of their surroundings. These are some of the most common places for people to be victims of attack.

4. Movement beats strength every time. You don't need to have a muscular physique to take down an attacker. Yes, it is helpful to be strong, but by knowing the right techniques to free yourself from someone, you will have the most favorable outcome.

To learn these movements and techniques to defend yourself, you can always search online and watch videos. Or you can sign up for a self-defense class. This may be something you never thought of before, so maybe go outside of your comfort zone and give it a try. You never know when something you learn may come to use later on in your life. I know I didn't realize all the benefits of having knowledge of self-defense until I recently attended a class. In addition to the information I've shared with you, I learned specific techniques on how to free myself in specific situations. I'm thankful for the local police departments that offer these instructional classes to educate women.

Always be alert and stay safe my readers!