Visionaries: Episode 12, Psychological Self Defense by Susan Gray

Security and safety for someone blind is a key aspect of independent living.  We live in a world where people are taken advantage of often, and someone blind can be viewed as a target.  No one wants to be seen as vulnerable or a victim, which is why learning some self -defense tactics is part of self -advocacy and overall well-being.

Taking some time for mindful preparation before going out can go a long way in promoting personal safety.  For women, invest in hand bags that are not easily taken off.  Consider cross body or messenger bags that can be worn over your head and shoulder, or a backpack purse.  These are not easily removed and purse snatchers will look for an easier target.  Always carry an electronic alarm fob.  These can be purchased online and emit a loud alarm if they are activated, which will discourage antagonists. 

Your overall body language tells a story; walk with your head up and with confidence and purpose.  Even your expression can help keep you safer.  Perception is part of our armor; if you look confident and aware, even blind, you are less of a target.

If you like to walk listening to music or a book, keep one ear open, or utilize over the ear, open headphones allowing outside sounds to be heard.   These are called bone conducting earphones.  They hang on your ears rather than covering the entire ear or blocking the ear canal like ear buds. 

Always try to keep at least one hand free of bags or travel cups.  As your other hand will be holding your white cane, it’s important to have a hand free to use if you are approached by an antagonist.  Utilize a cross body water bottle harness to carry your drink, and use over the shoulder shopping bags. 

Here are some self -defense tips from a former Secret Service agent and psychologist that won’t require a trip to the dojo. I’ve added a few modifications to specifically address someone blind using these techniques.    

Tips for protecting yourself and not freezing up if approached:

First, know your surroundings.  When you are blind, this is naturally harder to do, but we all have senses that are working overtime, such as spatial recognition, and if we work on being mindful of this skill, we are better able to tell if someone is in our space.  Spatial recognition uses senses other than sight in determining how close you are to objects.  Practice walking down a long hallway, using only your cane, and try to recognize when you are at an open doorway versus a solid wall.  The tiny hairs on your face and arms are telling you, much like a cat’s whiskers, when you are close to solid surfaces. 

This ability will help you not be caught off guard.

Learn a couple of self -defense moves; these can be studied and practiced so that they become second nature, and you don’t have to “think” about what to do or how to do it.  If you are a white cane user, using your cane as a defensive object can be helpful-Held firmly in front of you, it is a natural blocker to anyone coming up into your personal space. 

A hard step onto a person’s foot will cause them to back off momentarily, and can allow you to step back and prepare for what to do next.

Choose the lens through which you look at things.  When you notice you are starting to panic or become scared, focus on acting, not thinking.  For example, shift from “Oh my gosh… I don’t know what to do” and freezing in the process to telling yourself "I am going to get myself out of this situation now” and acting.  Tell yourself you can do this; it could be a matter of life or death. 

Someone blind doesn’t have the option of running away, so this is a key tactic to internalize.  

Focus on your physical fitness.  This is the key to both mental and physical health, and for mental and physical preparedness in any situation.  When you are strong and fit physically, you are more fit mentally and likely to respond with clarity, and if needed, strength.

Find your voice: Voice is a stun technique that can buy you two to four seconds of time to disorient your attacker.  If someone is making you uncomfortable by walking too close to you, turn and put your hand up, signaling “stop” scream “stop”.  Most people are embarrassed to do this-don’t be.  It will stun the antagonist,   and buy you some time to pull out an alarm key fob or phone.  It also lets the antagonist know that you are not a soft target, but someone strong and not afraid to make noise and be firm.

Meditate: Meditation is proven to decrease stress, decrease fear and anxiety, boost positive mood and promote emotional health and self -esteem.  It is a tool that makes you more self -aware and increases focus.  The best part is it is available anytime, anywhere.  Do it!  It will serve you well in any situation.

Reference:  Dr. Marybeth Willas-Yanka is a former U.S secret service agent and current psychologist teaching at George Washington University.  This article was published in Psychology Today