Self-Defense Lesson - Using the Eyes

Picture description: Royal blue background. Three arms and fists raised in the air of three different skin tones. Words say, “Worth fighting for Self-defense Lesson: Using the eyes (and becoming the hero of your own story) along with the SheHopes logo and website.

One of the best ways to protect yourself and fight back if you’re ever in a situation where you feel unsafe is to focus on the EYES! Today we’re going to learn TWO WAYS to fight back using the eyes. Remember that these skills work well if you are already in the READY POSITION with your hands in front of your face/neck. The READY POSITION means that you’re READY for anything! READY to protect yourself!

Bird Beaks

1) Shape your hands into bird beaks

2) Poke the eyes

3) While they are crying like a baby, RUN AWAY TO SAFETY!

*This skill is excellent to teach to little kids!

Picture description: Black background with white words, white SheHopes logo, white and blue eyes, and pink flamingo. Says: Eye Poke 1)Shape your hands into bird beaks. 2) Poke the eyes 3) While they are crying like a baby, RUN AWAY TO SAFETY! *This skill is great for little kids!

THUMBS UP

*This skill works well if it’s dark, if you’re blindfolded, or if you’ve been hit in the face and can’t see.

If you can find the EARS, you can find the EYES!

1) Feel for their ears with your fingers

2) When you find their EARS, use your THUMBS to SQUISH their eyes!

3) RUN AWAY!!!

Photo description: Black background with white letters, white SheHopes logo, white hand with a thumb up, white eyes, and yellow emoji face crying. Words say: Eyes & Thumbs *What if it’s dark, you’re blindfolded, or if you’ve been hit in the face and can’t see? If you can find the EARS, you can find the EYES. 1) Feel for the ears with your fingers. 2) When you find the EARS, use your THUMBS to SQUISH the eyes. 3) RUN AWAY!!!

There are a couple main differences between the two skills:

The BIRD BEAK SKILL is better for little kids because their hands might not be big enough to use the Eyes & Thumbs skill - and it doesn’t take much pressure to make even the biggest, baddest of bad guys cry like a baby!

Gif description: Dawson from Dawson’s Creek crying

The THUMBS UP SKILL has the potential to leave the attacker with permanent damage. We don’t tell you this to scare you out of using this skill - but to help you see that if it’s a matter of one of you coming out alive, (or with your eyeballs in tact) we want it to be YOU. We’re cheering you on!

GIF description: Erin from The Office cheering and waving her fist in the air.

Maybe don’t use the THUMBS UP skill on someone who is asking what time it is, telling you to smile, or generally being a nuisance. Maybe try one of our other skills for those situations!

But if you ever find ourself in a situation where you are up close with someone who is making you feel unsafe - this is a fantastic skill to open up a chance to escape!

• If it’s dark and you can’t see

• If you’ve been hit in the face or blindfolded

• If someone is on top of you (like many attacks unfortunately end up) and your hands are free

GIF description: Woman from Schitt’$ Creek wearing a floral shirt and blue animal print blindfold asking, “Can I take my blindfold off now?”

These are the kinds of situations where it’s PERFECTLY FINE to use this option. If someone who intends to assault you ends up with issues with their sight because they messed with the wrong person - I don’t feel a single bit sorry about it. Added bonus - they’ll be easier for you to report and identify to the authorities.

Do you know someone who should learn these skills? Share with them and help them learn how to protect themselves! Check out our Instagram and TikTok pages for more fun videos and tips!
Thank you for coming along on this journey with us. We couldn’t do it without you - and we are so grateful for each and every member of our SheHopes family!

Here’s to HOPE!