A loud blast from a whistle can cause the attacker to stop or run away. The last thing they want is to be seen by other people than your self. If the attack is more physical women's self defense will teach you some self defense moves to ward off or disable the attacker long enough to get away or to get help. If you are riding in a car, before getting in you need to check the backseat to make sure no one is hiding in it. If you are parked in a parking garage, ask the attendant to accompany or at least to monitor your safety on a video camera. Carry the keys in your hand with the ignition key at the ready. If you comb has a pick, this makes an excellent stabbing weapon. Even by raking the comb sideways across the attackers face may give you time to run away or escape his grasp. Hair spray can also be used as a weapon. Point the can toward the assailant's eyes and spray. This should temporarily blind him. Why choose a man to rob when he is likely not only to defend himself, but would also slow down the assault and get away. Women are the logical choice for the criminal activity because most women would succumb to the assaulter's wishes because of smaller stature and less strength. Women were protected in the past by society's rules and a sense of chivalry. You will be taught avoidance techniques such as avoiding places where you might be attacked or avoiding situations in which you will be tricked into going to a place where an attack might take place. In addition the women's self defense class will teach basic hand to hand fighting that will injure your assailant long enough for you to get away. Women's self defense experts warn that holding your purse loosely in your hand are having away from your person, like in a shopping cart, is like putting a ten dollar bill on the sidewalk. The harder it is for the perpetrator to see the prize, the chance of him picking you as the victim will be less.