Nov 19, 2008 7:59 pm US/Eastern
Female Awareness: Don't Be A Victim, Fight Back
Self Defense Expert Tells CBS 2 HD There Are Many Things Women Can Do To Help Them Avoid Being A Statistic
Reporting
Cindy Hsu
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
On the Upper East Side, police are searching for an attacker who's been following women into their buildings. CBS 2 HD recently got expert advice on how to avoid being a target.
In surveillance video released Tuesday night the attacker was caught following a woman into her vestibule then robbing her in the stairwell.
Self defense expert Gabrielle Rubin teaches women what to do to not become a victim. When you approach your home, have your hand in your pocket on your keys and always look behind you.
"Never put your back to anybody, always use your shoulder, open the door and then go in," Rubin said.
On your keychain, have weapons like an IED light to flash into an attacker's eyes. Also have a whistle that's extremely loud and a personal alarm.
"You pull the pin," Rubin said demonstrating. "That's enough to get somebody's attention."
If you find yourself alone with someone in a vestibule and you get a bad vibe … get out.
"If you're not feeling it, trust that feeling, walk in and say 'Oh my God my cell phone!' and take off," Rubin said.
When you get in an elevator, stand right next to the buttons with your back to the wall.
"If I need to push a lower floor I can," Rubin said. "If I need to push the alarm I can and I have a nice view of everybody here."
Rubin said predators target women who are distracted with electronics, or even children, so nix the cell phones, iPods, and consolidate your bags so you always have a free hand.
But if you're attacked, don't punch. Instead, grab the railing and kick back or use your elbow.
"Elbows are extremely effective and they can do a lot of damage, and elbow back, an elbow across, even an elbow down," Rubin said.
She also said your best weapon is your voice. Keep it strong and loud, especially when talking to a stranger.
When you show confidence, you're not a good target.
Rubin also said the key is to not be afraid, but to be aware.
To see other helpful tips and to learn more about Rubin's program,
click here. 
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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