Screaming

One of the most effective self defence techniques is screaming effectively. An effective scream involves making a loud, guttural roar, generated from the depths of your diaphragm. The scream should be aggressive and ‘roar-like’ indicating your anger at the attacker, rather than a high-pitched squeal of fear. An effective scream has the potential to achieve a number of results.

Firstly, an effective scream turns fear of being attacked into anger, and in so doing produces an adrenaline rush. This will provide the defender with an instant energy and power burst. The adrenaline rush will allow the defender to move faster, think quicker and multiply their strength, in order to deal with the attack.

Secondly, the defender has unexpectedly turned from intended victim to aggressor and this is likely to temporarily ‘shock’ the attacker. This will not only allow a brief moment to execute further self-defence techniques to stop the attack and escape, but will also cause the attacker’s body to tense up momentarily - increasing the effectiveness of any strikes executed.

The third reason for screaming is to attract attention. Even if people don’t come running to assist you, the attacker will certainly be conscious of the possibility that someone may have heard you and may decide to discontinue the attack, rather than confront other persons.

From the Qld Police web site

http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/personalSafety/generalAdvice/options.htm