You don't go into a public toilet armed with a stun gun. Or get undressed in changing rooms in full self-defence mode. But it is important to stay alert, wherever you are – especially when you're alone in public spaces.
'In shopping centres, be extra aware of your personal space,' says COSMO's self-defence expert Sanette Smit. That includes noticing anybody standing too close to you in a queue. 'You have the right to ask anyone to stand further away from you,' says Smit.
The general rule is to stay away from any area that's dimly lit, such as stairways, and to avoid toilets in far corners of shopping centres, says Dr Annelie Rabie, managing director of Business Against Crime in the Western Cape. 'Go shopping between 10am and 3pm if at all possible,' she says.
CHANGING THE RULES
Changing rooms in shops aren't as safe as we may think they are. 'Somebody could grab your handbag while you're checking yourself out in the mirror,' says Smit. Be aware that there could be a peephole in a wall or ceiling, or another woman could be out to steal from you. 'Be alert at all times without being overly paranoid,' she says.
Some shops have unisex changing rooms. These don't always have doors with locks on the inside – some merely have curtains as a door. 'If you walk into a changing room, particularly one with curtains, and notice that both men and women are using it, go to the cubicle closest to the exit or wait until that one becomes free,' says Smit. 'If you walk past a cubicle and are pulled into it, with a hand clasped over your mouth from behind, use self-defence moves quickly. His groin is right behind you, so swing your hip to the side and hit him hard in the groin. Stamp on his foot, and when his hand moves away, shout and draw attention to yourself.'
If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, whether it is because of the shop assistants or any of the other customers, walk away from the changing area and come back later.
LOO PATROL
A public toilet is possibly when you're at your most vulnerable. You're likely to be more concerned about contracting germs from the toilet seat than about your physical safety.
If you suspect someone may have followed you into the bathroom and you're in a cubicle, get up as quickly as possible from the sitting position, says Smit. 'Stay in the cubicle until you hear the person leave. He has to come into your space to attack you.' If you do come face to face with him, 'hit his sensitive target areas while standing – and hit them with all your might.'
DON'T BE A TARGET
Don't let your guard down for a second, no matter how open or public an area is, says Smit. 'If you're walking alone, project an air of confidence, walk with purpose and appear positive.'
If you are lost and don't know your way around a mall, make your way to the information desk. 'Don't appear lost. Stay focused on where you're heading,' says Smit. 'Don't just ask somebody in a security uniform. He might be the con man and might persuade you to follow a short cut – one where he can attack you.'
Cinemas are another area where you could be attacked. 'Don't just sit down – look at the people sitting around you. Never put your bags on the floor. Instead, hold your personal belongings close to you – for example, on your lap, under your arm or between your feet on the floor,' says Smit. 'And know where your weapons are (your keys, pens, deodorant spray and nail file).'
For more information about self-defence workshops contact Sanette Smit on 02I 46I 0036 or 082 415 3960, or visit
www.seIfdefence.co.za.