SALT LAKE CITY — An oft-quoted 1998 study by the National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one in every six women and one in 33 men in the United States has at one time or another been the victim of rape or attempted rape.

In a similar vein, the National Center for Victims of Crime reports that 996,106 Americans were victims of aggravated assault in 2012.

Statistics like these are unsettling, and most people want to see these numbers much lower, if not nonexistent. To bring that vision a little closer to reality, many are taking efforts to make the world a safer place for victims of these crimes, through the use of self-defense devices. Here are a few resources and techniques available to keep you safe.

TigerLight D.A.D. =================

The Defense Alert Device (D.A.D.) by TigerLight, a Salt Lake City-based company, was designed by Portland Police Sgt. Randy Teig. The D.A.D. consists of a blindingly bright flashlight combined with military-strength pepper spray. Its slim shape is designed to sit comfortably in the palm of the hand while strapped to the defending party's palm, allowing for convenient access when out for a jog, walking through a dark parking lot or any otherwise prone activity.

However, what really sets the device apart from other self-defense devices is a bluetooth connection to an app on the user's phone. When deployed, the D.A.D. will send an alert along with GPS coordinates to the user's selected emergency contacts —as well as app users within a 1-mile radius—prompting them to call 911.

R.A.D programs ==============

Rape Aggression Defense Systems (R.A.D.) is an international program that seeks to equip the average person with the skills they need to defend themselves in assault situations. Though the focus is generally on helping women fend off attackers, there are also programs for men, seniors and children. With 20 programs in the state of Utah, including classes at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, R.A.D. is an accessible option for brushing up on your self-defense skills as well as learning new techniques to keep yourself safe.

Know your strike points

Whenever possible, it's wise to avoid a physical altercation. But when an assailant leaves you no choice, you should have at least a basic knowledge of human body's vulnerable points. A well-placed blow to any of these areas can be incapacitating to a would-be attacker, which provides an excellent opportunity for you to flee or get help: eyes, ears (slapping with a cupped hand or grabbing and pulling), nose, chin, windpipe, solar plexus, groin, knee, shin and instep.

Though there is much more to it than simply memorizing a few body parts, many styles of martial arts will teach you to be aware of an opponent's vulnerable areas and how to effectively neutralize a situation.

Fight dirty

As stated before, physically engaging an attacker should always be a last resort, but sometimes your only option is to fight back. In such cases, propriety and sportsmanship go out the window. When personal and public safety is on the line, it is warranted to use any effective means to safely neutralize the situation.

This is not out of malice for the attacker, but is rather a stark reality of the circumstances. Pull hair, scratch, bite, strike below the belt: there are no limitations when your life and safety are threatened.

As Sgt. Rory Miller, former corrections officer, tactical team leader and self-defense author wrote in his book, "Meditations on Violence," "It is better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die. The very essence of self-defense is a thin list of things that might get you out alive when you are already screwed."

Seek Help

It's an unfortunate fact that many people, through no fault of their own, will not be able to defend themselves from an instance of physical or sexual assualt. These survivors have been through a serious trauma and there are several useful resources, if they should desire it:

• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) Sexual Assault Hotline: 801-656-HOPE (4673)
• Rape Recovery Center: 801-467-7273. The Rape Recovery Center offers individual and group therapy for survivors. Remember that if you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Sean Stoker is a journalism student at UVU interning for KSL.com. He runs a YouTube channel at QuestSeans.com. Follow him on Twitter @theroyalthey

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