October 19, 2021
Virtual Resident Event | Not Me! Training
Steven Scott employees and residents were fortunate enough to be able to participate in an assault prevention and safety class this past Tuesday. The class, called Not Me!, was founded by former US Navy Seal, Al Horner, and was free of charge to anyone who wanted to join. Over 100 employees and residents tuned in to learn how to protect themselves in almost every situation. The class was led by Kelly Johnson, who spent 23 years in law enforcement administration. Johnson mentioned that she has seen way too many terrifying things over the years, and she was inspired to learn how to protect herself and her teenage daughters.
We first learned that 80% of the time, assaults happen from people you know. They happen when you are at your home or a friend’s home, and you’ve let down your guard. An attacker will try to connect with you emotionally. They will most likely tell you their sob story or use flattery to establish a connection. Then, they will try to isolate you. This usually begins with, “Let me walk you to your car.” Then, they attack.
Attacks by strangers happen less often, but the protocol is essentially the same. Instead of building an emotional connection, strangers simply try to isolate you. This is easier for them to do if you’re distracted—if you have ear buds on or are looking at your phone. The goal is to never let them remove you from the spot you’re in. If you end up in the car, crash it! Don’t let them isolate you.
After Johnson spoke about how and when these attacks occur, she taught us how to protect ourselves from getting into these situations in the first place. The biggest thing she mentioned was to TRUST YOUR GUT FEELING. For her, her heart begins to race and she knows something is off. If you feel that, react and get away. This can be as simple as crossing the street or turning around if you see someone ahead that makes your alarm bells go off. Johnson also mentioned that if you do think you’re about to be attacked, be LOUD! Scream! Let them know that you are not an easy target.
The next section of the class was spent demonstrating some self-defense moves we could use if we need to get away.
This event was well attended by both men and women. It was truly a class for everyone. No matter who you are, these are skills that will protect you from becoming a victim.
Big Takeaways:
- Trust your gut. If you feel like something is off, trust that feeling and get yourself to safety.
- 70% of assaults happen between dusk and dawn. The most common places this occurs (when it’s random) are grocery store and mall parking lots and hotels.
- Always be present when walking alone. Never use air buds or be on your phone. Walk strong and look around.
- If you feel you’re about to be attacked, be LOUD! Resist and fight back.
- Gun = Run! If you see a gun, run away as fast as you possibly can.
List of Moves to Use to Get Away:
- Screaming
- Biting (go for the throat)
- Front Cat (fingers to the eyes in a dart-like motion) *The eyes are the most sensitive part of the body
- Rag Doll (Go limp like a toddler having a tantrum. Pick your feet up, and you’ll slide right out)