14 Dangerous Lies About Self-Defense, Corrected

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We're constantly bombarded in movies and TV by images of people heroically surviving attacks by employing some breathtaking self-defense hack. Couple that with all the sketchy, free advice online, and it's pretty easy to get lulled into a false sense of security.

The thing is, a lot of that advice is not only bad, but dangerous. So we asked our readers to ferret out terrible advice and portrayals of self-defense, debunk them, and show us what people should actually do.

14 Entry by Chan Teik Onn

Scream 'fire' instead of 'help' for a better chance at getting the attention of bystanders. You'll get their attention, but you'll also turn them aw

13 Entry by Samantha Molly Dominick

If you're being mugged, it MIGHT seem like a good idea to throw your valuables and run in the opposite direction... ...but that could be really danger

12 Entry by Andrea Meno

Pepper spray isn't always useful. If you're downwind, the spray blows back and hits you.

11 Entry by Kristina Yong

Size doesn't matter in self-defense is a void claim, seeing as most predators pick out smaller victims. Training with people who are considerably bi

10 Entry by killbotx

AVOID EYE CONTACT AVOIDING EYE CONTACT CAN SEND THE SIGNAL THAT YOU'RE AN EASY, INTIMIDATED TARGET. MAKE EYE CONTACT. IT CONVEYS STRENGTH, A WILLING

9 Entry by PollyDarton

Women's self defense tips are well meaning, but So many focus on being attacked by strangers... 70% when in actuality, of homicide victims are familia

8 Entry by Hestutomo Restu Kuncoro

A knife-wielding attacker won't always threaten you with it. In fact, many stabbing victims did not actually know their attackers had a knife until af

7 Entry by Scott Laffey

If held at gunpoint, your safest bet is to just do whatever you're told, right? Not exactly. Give them your money, sure. But if they tell you to get i

6 Entry by Maclise

When looking at stun guns, higher voltage isn't necessarily better. X26 Manufacturers like to advertise millions of volts, but it's actually the amper

5 Entry by Andrea Meno

Get a gun that's SO easy to use, you don't have to learn how! Those guns don't exist. Whichever gun you choose, you have to learn how to handle one.

4 Entry by Maclise

Personal alarms aren't as effective as you might think. Research shows that people are more likely to respond to cries for help than a device like a w

3 Entry by Markos Hasiotis

Kicking a male aggressor in the groin will not necessarily neutralize him. There's no guarantee he'll even react to it (especially if intoxicated) so

2 Entry by Moses Armstrong

CRACKED.CO COM In a fight, don't try for a totally badass one- hit KO haymaker.Stick with lots of smaller hits instead. A one-two combo of a jab with

1 Entry by Hestutomo Restu Kuncoro

An ear slap isn't a magical strike that will bring your attacker down no matter what. It's actually not So simple to perform and there are much easier

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