Women Fight Back Series

Women fight back every day around the world against oppression, crime and brutality. But these stories rarely ever make headlines.

Instead, the media continues to push the "helplessness" theory of women by continually reporting on the negative.

Therefore, we've started a new series: Women-Fight-Back to update you with stories of women who have taken responsibility for their own personal self defense safety and have found the courage to defend themselves and their families.

Our next story demonstrates what being prepared and having a self defense plan looks like. It doesn't take much to take back control of your own safety. Enjoy the read!

The story we bring you is out of Florida and reported by News13 in Orlando. The full story can be found here.

Would-Be Rape Victim Fights Back With Box Cutter
Reported by Mark Jenkins

ORLANDO -- A would-be rape victim was able to fight off her attacker with a box cutter she had in her pocket.

Investigators said a woman was attacked around midnight Sunday at a 7-Eleven at Old Cheney Highway and North Semoran Boulevard.

Authorities would not say whether the woman, 35, was an employee at the store. They said she was near a fence outside, when a man attacked her from behind.

The man reportedly pushed the woman against the fence and tried to rape her, but she was able to fight back with a box cutter.

Her defense, along with approaching headlights, prompted the attacker to jump the fence and take off on foot.

Neighboring business owners, including Guillermo Torres, said they were stunned it happened in their area.

“People get scared if that’s going on around here,” Torres told News 13. “Maybe the police department will catch him. Again, the 7-Eleven is a checkpoint for the police department, so that’s just crazy.”

Officials said the victim was obviously shaken, but neither she, nor the suspect, were injured.

Investigators said they are trying to develop a composite sketch and get surveillance video from the 7-Eleven in hopes of tracking down the suspect.

Authorities described the man as black or Hispanic, wearing a black stocking cap, with gold or silver teeth.

If you have any information in the case, call CrimeLine at (800) 423-TIPS.

The key here is that she TOOK action, USED the element of SURPRISE and turned her FEAR into ANGER. Women are capable of fighting back and making a difference in the world. Don't underestimate your own powers.

To learn more on how you can become a woman who fights back, check out our upcoming classes.

**Angie M. Tarighi is the CEO & Founder of Women’s Self-Defense Institute providing self defense training, education awareness & personal protection products empowering women to fight back against crime.