Get fighting fit with self-defence

5. If attacked, try targeting your assailant's vulnerable body parts such as the eyes, throat and groin. There's no right or wrong order of which area to hit first, as long as you can get to these weak points. The ultimate goal is to distract or disable your attacker so you can get away.

6. Carrying weapons isn't recommended, but everyday items such as pens, credit cards and keys can - when shoved into an assailant's face, for example - injure them and give you a chance to escape.

7. In certain situations, being aggressive can mean survival,' explains Turton. Don't be afraid to scream, turn belligerent or act on your fear. 'If being aggressive for 10 seconds lets you be a lady for 20 years, then it's worth it,' he says.

Taking a self-defence class is a great way to sharpen your safety instincts and improve your chances of escape if attacked. Learning how to transform fear into power can be, quite literally, a lifesaver.

For more information about self-defence classes near you, both in and out of London, contact Dave Turton (01709 710489) at the Self-Defence Federation for a free information pack, or email selfdefence.federation@ntlworld.com.

You can also contact Debi Steven who is part of the Self-Defence Federation and runs courses for women across London (020 8940 1695) or email debisteven@yahoo.co.uk.

Liz Clark www.womens-selfdefence.co.uk is another instructor affiliated with the Self-Defence Federation who runs independent courses for women in North London.