Anti-Gay Violence
Tips on dealing with an attacker
by ALAIN TREPANIER
The series of violent attacks against gays in the National Capital Region last summer
have stayed on our collective minds throughout the winter as the slow wheels of the
justice system work their way through these cases. These tragic events and their lengthy
unravelling serve as constant reminders of the violent nature of our society and of the
need to be prepared to act in the event that we witness, or are the victim of, an assault.
With more clement weather now upon us, concerned gays and lesbians should heed the advice
provided by last fall's "Blow the Whistle" campaign spearheaded by Pierre
Beaulne and Ken Gallagher of the Carleton University Gay and Lesbian Alliance. It
recommends blowing a whistle to actively startle your assailant and alert others that you
are in trouble. Should you find yourself victim of an assault and without immediate
assistance, the best self-defence is common sense and quick thinking. Self-defence is any
strategy that enables you to survive. Whether you run, cooperate, fight, or negotiate, if
you escape an assault situation alive, you did the right thing. Here are some options:
USING YOUR VOICE Your voice is one of your most powerful self-defence weapons. Yelling
can help you overcome fear and can startle an attacker. While screaming, "Help!"
is often ineffective, yelling, "Fire!" usually attracts attention. Yell out
exactly what is going on: "I am being mugged! Call the police!" This often
mobilizes people who may not be sure what to do. Yelling does not come naturally to most
of us; but it is something we can practice and learn.
RUNNING AWAY Running away is an alternative. Provocation on the part of the assailant
(being called a "queer," etc.) is not a reason to stay and fight. It is not our
responsibility to prove that we can fight. Running away, yelling, and making a scene are
not paranoid or cowardly responses to assault.
COOPERATION In some situations, cooperation is the safest option. When robbery seems to
be the only motive, it is important to remember that no money or property is worth the
risk of getting hurt. When cooperating, try to remain calm; talk softly, and make no
sudden movements. Sometimes robberies escalate into more violent assaults. Stay alert and
trust your instincts. If you feel that you are in danger, you can change your strategy.
RESISTANCE In many anti-gay assaults, the perpetrators are out to hurt, maim, or kill
their victims. Cooperating or negotiating may simply not be an option. Knowing how to
physically defend yourself can save your life. Statistics show that immediate, effective
resistance in an attack situation usually enables the would-be victim to escape safely. No
matter how large or powerful the assailant, there are parts of the body that are
vulnerable. If you choose to resist, your goal is to strike these vulnerable areas and get
away. Here are techniques that we can all use:
Head: * Grab the hair so your assailant doubles over; strike forcefully on the back of
the neck with your fist or elbow. * Box the ears or punch the temple. * Tense your fingers
and bend them slightly; jab straight into the eyes. * Poke the hollow of the throat with
your fingers, thumb, or umbrella. * Slam the heel of your hand up under the nose; push in
and up at the same time.
Mid-Section: * Jab at the pit of the stomach with your umbrella or elbow. * Snap your
knee into the groin; or grab the testicles, twist and pull.
Lower Body: * Kick the kneecap. * If you're grabbed from the rear, kick to the knee,
scrape the shin, and stomp the instep with your heel. It is wise to remember as well that
we are all surrounded by common objects that can be used as weapons in our own defence.
Umbrellas can be used as bayonets and thrust into the attacker's face, throat, or stomach.
Keys can be clenched in your fist and aimed into the face or throat. A briefcase or
shoulder bag can be a shield against a slashing knife. Think about your environment and
what you can use to defend yourself if necessary.