PrettyLoaded.org notes the "Force Multiplier are the tools or skills that enhance force you are able to provide in response to an attack."    Skills are Self Defense moves that you can utilize while tools are the Defensive Hardware. 

The first rule for any of these is of course proper training and then practice, practice, practice.  Your self Defense tools / skills are very personal in that what do you feel comfortable with using?  Other considerations are what does your state allow you to carry?  Some states do not even allow Pepper Spray so you must do research before you purchase your tool (maybe that should actually be rule #1 for defensive hardware). 

I encourage everyone to go to a gym or to their local police or sheriff's dept. to learn more about available self defense classes.  This will be the best way for most people to learn these moves.  Another option (if no one is teaching locally) is to watch self defense moves on YouTube and practice them at home. 

Also, remember physical fitness plays a part in this as well.  "Strong is the new skinny" and you do need a certain level of physical fitness to defend yourself against an attack.  So, like many others, I myself need to be hitting the gym!  Let's go pump some iron :). 

We will talk about Defensive Hardware in another segment!  Stay tuned for future publications. 

The Best Fight is the one you are never in!!!  According to PrettyLoaded.org your situational awareness may help to keep you out of that fight.  Did you know that vast majority of criminals are opportunist meaning they only strike when presented with a viable, easy opportunity.  So, how do you not become that opportunity?  In listening to their videos they talk to Coopers Color Codes of Awareness so I am going to give you my brief opinion /synopsis of the color codes.

The first condition is white which is the totally unaware condition.  Typically on their phone or texting when leaving the store or rummaging through your purse for your keys while walking out to the car.

The second condition is yellow which is aware of your surroundings.  Meaning not on your phone, not distracted and walking with a purpose.  You will be able to see / identify potential threats such as a person in a trench coat in 100°F weather, etc.  

The third condition is Orange which is you have identified something of interest which may or may not be a threat.  A heightened or more specific awareness in a direction.  Such as a person leaning against a pole by your car with no one else around, etc.  "What If" scenarios should start playing out in your head.  You may want to leave and find someone to walk you to your car, lay your hands upon your self defense tool, etc.  An attack should be of no surprise. 

The fourth color is Condition Red and this changes your focus from potential threat to potential target.   You will draw your self defense tool and if possible (in both yellow & red) move to a position that will give you tactical advantage.  Be careful to not develop tunnel vision because the perp may be the distraction while someone else comes up to grab you.  

There is a fifth color which is black which is where you are in full on fight which is what you are trying to avoid.  

According to Womens Self Defense Institute the reason we need the colors is as follows:  "Because when faced with a life threatening attack by a criminal, as a typical normal person, we are faced with 3 very difficult challenges".  1) Recognizing the presence of the predator in time 2) Realizing , internalizing and accepting THAT MAN, RIGHT THERE is about to kill you for reasons you do not understand, and if you do not stop him; and 3) Overcoming your reluctance to do lethal violence to another fellow human being.  

What color do you live in?  I used to be the one living in white and became a victim of theft.  I implore you to examine your life - what color do you live in?  We should all be living in a color of Yellow - color of awareness with the ability to be in Orange unfortunately.  

For more tips - please feel free to go to the websites that I have mentioned as they have a ton of valuable information for women and self defense.  

May you Be Aware!, Be Empowered! and Be Safe!