Introduction

The question should be asked when is the environment not used in self-defence, because it is one of the essentials factors to be considered when analysing a situation. It is the time when you ascertain the assets and liabilities that you may have within a moment.
For example, how much light is in the area, where the closes exits are to you in the building, the type of ground surface, the amount of room in which to manoeuvre and obstacles that get in your way, i.e. wall, car, fence and people.
The following factors are a few of the environmental attributes to be considered:

Reflection
This is a powerful tool within visual awareness, being able to use the environment to your advantage. There are many scenarios where this method can be incorporated; an example is when travelling on public transport or even driving in your car. There are times when travelling when it is necessary to use the reflection method for safety, before an action may occur. Street self-defence requires you to use every asset possible to decrease an undesired outcome.
Using your watch face, glasses, mirrors, windows or even the reflection of another’s eyes to provide you with the means of using this method for self-protection.

Barriers
When negotiation has a possibility to escalate, a barrier is most useful to provide a shield from attack. It increases your reaction time and allows you a means of self-protection, to screen you from projectiles i.e. bullets, objects and from bodily harm. A barrier may consist of an object such as a fence, front door, chair, car or a natural entity like a hedge, water way or even a human shield, which is used in multi attack.

Lighting / Visibility
Once again this area is important aspect for person and family safety. There are three main areas to be concerned about:
- On the street - when walking is sure to walk in well lite areas, so you can be seen and can see others. In addition, when waiting for a lift you must consider making arrangements with friends and family to be in situation of well lite area. Also when leaving your car at a railways station, be sure to again have it near a lite area for the nighttime pick up.

- External lighting / night-lights – this type of lighting is essential to when reviewing the overall package of your home security; it can limit possible theft and give the house a lived in appearance when you are out. Such lights as the sensor light are great because they can scare off a potential burglar and are a good energy saving device.

- When there is a burglar – some people may believe this is a wrong action for personal security. This is a time not to turn on the lights due to you having knowledge of the layout of the house, making it an advantage over the burglar.

Use of weapons at hand

This may be the widest area of available tools to be used within self-defence, everything possibility can be a weapon. There are obvious categories to place these weapons, it is a reminder that these are examples and there are countless possibilities:

Items at hand with no change
- Book – hard cover to use its spine, striking to a soft target.
- Magazine / newspaper – when rolled once again can be used to strike to a soft target.
- Car keys – to create a dysfunction
- Broom stick – to fend off
- Car club lock – to block or to secure
- Bike chain – used as a garrotte of swinging weapon.
- Umbrella – used such as the above
- Spray can – to distract
- Jacket – for blocking or securing
- Scissors, knife, fork etc. – for a stabbing implement
- Soil – used to temporary blind the attacker.

Adapted items
- Black jack –a bar of soap in a sock
- Shive –a implement to be shaped into a stabbing weapon i.e. sharpened toothbrush
- Broken Bottle –for slashing
- Wooden match box –offend used by bikers as a cutting weapon

Intent for weapon use / items of disguise
- Nunchaku
- Razor blades - secured to a licence card or hat.
- Fish hooks – secured to the bottom of pant legs, used to kick and snag the victim.
- Baseball Bat – hidden in the car to smash someone in road rage.

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