[Self-Defense Survival Skills] How to Avoid Being Attacked by a Stranger in an Elevator...

Editor's NoteWhen you cannot escape from an assailant wielding a weapon, you should actively use your belongings to protect vital parts of your body and then flee. If you have a self-defense tool, you can effectively use it to protect yourself and escape. Every Sunday, we will serialize how to properly use self-defense tools and how to protect yourself by striking and quickly escaping, demonstrated by Jeon Seong-yong, head instructor of the Korea Arnis Association Self-Defense Center (association president, male in the photo), and instructor Go Kyung-ah (female in the photo).

#Last July, a woman in her 20s was victimized in an elevator of a corridor-style apartment in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do. A 23-year-old woman, Ms. A, repeatedly punched victim Ms. B inside the apartment elevator, injuring her and attempted sexual assault.

Ms. A pressed the button for the 12th floor, and when the door opened, Ms. B was alone in the elevator. After pressing the button for the 10th floor, Ms. A indiscriminately assaulted Ms. B. When the elevator stopped at the 10th floor, Ms. A dragged her out. Fortunately, another resident who heard Ms. B's screams reported the incident to the police, and Ms. A was arrested, preventing further harm to Ms. B.

This edition covers crime prevention methods in elevators. Women, in particular, may feel fear when using unfamiliar or secluded elevators.

Elevators are narrow and enclosed spaces, making it easy to be defenseless against crimes. Although elevators have closed-circuit (CCTV) cameras, CCTV only records the crime scene and helps prevent crime but does not fully protect you.

Elevator crimes occur within seconds. When riding an elevator with a stranger, avoid exposing your back to the other person, stay alert to preemptively block and resist sudden attacks by learning defensive techniques.

Most elevator crimes happen when you are alone with the perpetrator, so stay vigilant and do not get distracted by focusing on your phone or turning up earphone volume.

1. When waiting to use an elevator late at night or in a secluded place, if a stranger is already inside, it is best for crime prevention not to ride together but to wait for the next elevator.

2. If you must take the elevator, press a floor button lower than the one the other person pressed to get off first. You can then walk up the stairs or go down to the first floor and contact family or acquaintances to ride together. If you live alone, waiting a little while before riding again is also an option.

3. Do not let the other person stand behind you. Most elevator crimes involve attacks from behind. It is difficult to defend or resist if attacked from behind while defenseless. As shown in the photo, stand with your back to the elevator corner so you can see the other person's movements and keep an eye on them with peripheral vision.

4. When the other person attempts an attack, use your phone to block and resist, then exit the elevator and seek help. Shout loudly while exiting. Loud shouting psychologically burdens the attacker and effectively reduces their criminal intent. If you have a self-defense tool like Kubotan, use it according to its characteristics.

※ If the assailant is right-handed and armed with a weapon, escape to the left side, away from the weapon, to reduce risk as much as possible. All movements in survival self-defense require strength and stamina. Regular strength and endurance training will enhance effectiveness.