How to Protect Yourself Against Crime

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

NOMAN, Oklahoma -- According to the FBI, one forcible rape occurs every six seconds, and an aggravated assault happens every 36 seconds.

With the re-launch of NEWS 9's Crime Tracker, residents can arm themselves with knowledge and awareness of the criminal activity taking place in their neighborhoods.

"It's really beneficial, especially in a neighborhood," Angel Looney said. "I can check to see what's going on."

Many people are also investing their time in self defense classes to equip themselves with the tools necessary to stay alive during an attack.

Mary Beth Davis teaches the classes at ATA Black Belt Academy in Norman.

"It was a situation where I was at home and I was attacked in my home," Angel Looney -said.

First, Davis instructs the importance of lesson one: Take away the attacker's vision.

"Just imagine your nails going right into those eyes," Davis said.

She then teaches her students to take away their attacker's air.

Watch this video and learn how to fight off your attacker and survive a dangerous situation.

Officer Bob Moore of the Norman Police Department said women should also carry a Kubotan in their purses or on key chains.

Learn more about where you can purchase Kubotans.

"You can apply to the web of the hand, knuckles, anywhere anyplace that bone meets," Officer Moore said. "There's generally a pressure point."

Moore also suggests aiming for the attacker's sternum. He said attackers are often unaware that thousands of pressure points are located in the sternum area.

Although some Kubotans contain pepper spray inside of them, some do not. Experts caution if pepper spray is purchased for protection, consumers should buy one that is a mist, not a stream.

The women enrolled in ATA Black Belt Academy are arming themselves with skills and knowledge.

"Don't be afraid, be smart," Angel Looney said.

Be aware of your neighborhood's criminal activity by checking the Crime Tracker.

The ATA Black Belt Academy self defense course is offered for free and is not limited to Norman residents. Children can also enroll.

Contact the academy and enroll in their self defense classes.

All skills demonstrated in the video or discussed in this article should be used only for self defense.

Kubotans are legal in Oklahoma, but outlawed in other states. It is advised that travelers become aware of other states' law before carrying a Kubotan or pepper spray.

Related Story: CrimeTracker Returns to News9.com