SELF DEFENSE FOR INDIVIDUALS
WHO ARE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Safety is an important issue for all people regardless of physical capabilities. For persons with visual impairments, the issue of safety may hold additional concern with perceptions of increased risk or vulnerability to attack. Fear or safety concerns may restrict enjoyment and participation in activities as well as movement and independence.

Safety is a key issue in the field of Orientation and Mobility (O & M). One goal of instruction is to foster as much independence as possible within the lives of people who have visual impairments.

People who have visual impairments are becoming increasingly integrated into society, exhibiting active lifestyles and greater independence while traveling. With a nation-wide increase in crime, some persons with visual disabilities perceive themselves to be at increased risk for assault or attack.

While the best self defense is to avoid becoming a victim, this workshop presents simple self defense strategies and skills that may be easily taught to and learned by individuals with visual impairments. Prevention by effective situational control is discussed, with an emphasis on route planning, body language, communication, and general safety tips. The actual techniques do not require vision--only conceptual and spatial awareness, as well as the physical ability to perform the maneuvers and adaptations when necessary.

**Self defense is an activity involving physical contact and injuries may occur. Individuals participate at their own risk. While self defense techniques are designed to give the participant an advantage in attack situations, self defense is not a substitute for common sense and the author imparts no guarantees.**

The best defense is to avoid becoming a victim. Actual physical contact should be avoided and only used as a last resort; which makes planned preparation vital to safety.

The following are considerations that may be useful in the prevention of a dangerous situation:

• Walk confidently. Body language is extremely important when criminals are picking their targets.

• Use appropriate route planning, knowledge of surroundings, and alternate routes (do not set a pattern).

• Always have a bail out system or back up plan. Know where to go for help in the area in which you are traveling. Yell "fire" (rather than help) to attract attention, if accosted.

• Use effective communication skills. Know how to solicit aid, request and receive directions, and refuse persistent offers.

Being prepared is more important than being strong.

Remember these general safety tips:

• Do not carry large amounts of money.

• Fanny packs are safer than purses.

• A wallet should be carried in the inside lapel pocket or shirt pocket rather than in the hip pocket.

• Carry a purse on the side facing the street.

• Walk in the middle of the walk rather than close to buildings or the street, when possible.

If attempts to prevent the assault fail and the individual becomes involved physically with the attacker; remember to defend only life and the lives of loved ones--things can be replaced!

When involved in an attack, the victim should make as much noise and attract as much attention as possible. Cries for "help" sometimes go unheeded while a yell of "fire" may attract the needed attention.

If the victim is carrying a cane, the cane should be dropped to facilitate freedom of movement in fighting off the attacker. While some people consider the cane a possible weapon, the aluminum or fiberglass composition may prove flimsy for defense purposes. The goal is to be free from the attacker and to move as quickly as possible to safety.

The body can serve as a weapon in the following ways:

• Striking with the hands, fists, knees, feet, elbows, fingers, and head

• Biting

• Pinching

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The self defense techniques that follow are effective if practiced and understood.

Optimally, a person should enroll in a standard (or modified) self defense course in order to practice and integrate the techniques safely. The techniques described in this article should be demonstrated and taught within a workshop to be understood and useful.

• Front choke hold: The victim grabs the thumbs of the attacker--pulls the arms out to the side. Stepping back, the victim kicks the attacker in the groin, stomach, or face. (click on each of the photos for a larger view)

• Rear shoulder grab: The victim's right arm goes straight up while the victim turns to the right (facing the attacker). The victim's right arm wraps around the attacker's arms--holding them--while the victim punches the attacker in the face with the left hand.

• Same side wrist grab: The victim rotates the grabbed hand until the thumb lines up with the weak part of the attacker's grasp (where the attacker's thumb meets his own fingers). The victim grabs his own grasped fist with his other hand and pulls free--following the maneuver with a punch to the face or kick to the groin.

• Front shoulder grab: The victim jumps to a wide stance (wider than shoulder width), which should pull the attacker forward (off balance). The victim then hits the attacker's ears with wide, flat palms. The victim may also grab the attacker's head, pull forward and smash the head with the victim's raised knee.

• Rear bear hug: The victim jumps to a wide stance and elbows the attacker in the stomach.

• Alternative: The victim may place his heel in the groin of the attacker--which does not require a change of position.

• Front bear hug: The victim brings their knee up to the attacker's groin and head butts the attacker's nose or chin.

• Hair grab: The victim should always place one hand over the attacker's hand to prevent the pulling of the hair and lessen pain. With the free hand or by using kicks, the victim can get free from the attacker.

• Floor pins on the stomach or back: The victim moves his arms (quickly) straight up, then out, then down to his sides to throw the attacker off balance. The victim then rolls to one side, ending up on top of the attacker. The victim then delivers a punch to the face.

• Head lock: Any time the victim is in a position to reach the inside, upper thigh of an attacker, a pinch may be effective in persuading the attacker to let go. (click on each of the photos for a larger view)

• A simple joint (wrist) lock can put the victim in control of the attacker. The victim places both thumbs in the middle of the outside of the attacker's hand. Pressure is exerted until the attacker's wrist is flexed. (click on each of the photos for a larger view)

• Weapons: One should consider that physical contact with an attacker who has a weapon will, most likely, involve some injury to the victim. The key issue with weapons is to not receive a wound to a vital (for life) area of the body. Weapon defense involves control of the weapon which generally requires some amount of vision and a lot of practice.

For further information about self defense and persons with visual impairments, contact:

Laura Bozeman, Ph.D.
COMS, CLVT

1st Degree Black Belt
Tae Kwon Do