I'm used to fighing more that once a week and it can get rough, especially if you have to keep going and attacking back at your attacker in order to run free etc.
But to be honest when your fighting to keep out of harms way, though you lose breath very quickly and it takes up a lot of energy you don't notice because all you focus on is getting away from them as quick as possible and you will do anything in that situation, whether it's screaming or doing serious harm to the attacker.
Some people worry about what damage they can do, but those people need to keep one thing in mind: If they are willing to attack you, then what are they willing to do to make sure you keep quiet afterwards?
Also keep in mind it may be your life or theirs at stake. Even if you did end up doing serious harm or worse, never feel guilty or feel like you shouldn't have done it. Afterall if you hadn't just think of what you could be missing if you didn't.

Also, another great tip: If you haven't got that many strengths, just remember the weaknesses of your attacker. That doesn't generally mean the private parts for a man, but for the actual human body. For e.g. eyes, neck etc. It is no good hitting somone in the jaw because it is the strongest and biggest bone in the face and won't to the damage you would need to get free.

Another move:
It is known as the "knife hand" and it is formed easily by pressing the fingers of the open hand together with the tips of the fingers curled inward (without cupping the hands), while the thumb is bent and held tightly against the side of the hand. The striking suface of the "knife hand" is the "blade" edge of hand. If you use great force you can even break someone's neck with this move.

But make sure the ends of the fingers are curled inwards to prevent the fingers from being broken in the event that the fingertips are hit directly. In this way the fingers will curl into the palm and not backwards. The same with the thumb.

I think you have to weigh up the situation very carefully. Pain induces anger and addrenalin. What could have been an assault or mugging could become murder if you fight back

However, there are other occasions when you have to literally fight for your life.

It's obviously a very personal decision to share this kind of news. I respect any woman who is brave enough to speak about this terrible crime. It takes courage and strength to do so and I am sure it is part of the healing process.

For what it's worth, all this talk of how to defend yourself is helpful, but there it is no substitution for taking a self-defense course.

Trudy,

İ admire you alot,it takes lots of good well and courage not to let some horrible situation like this affect your life.
As i understand from the results 'your essays,posts' that,you didn't run and hide from what happened,but you stand and challenged it.
Determined to have your life the way you want,not the way been forced upon you.

Way to go girl,and best of luck