Self-Defense Scenarios: Avoid, Alert, Escape
A circuit of self-defense scenarios where groups of 4 act out everyday risky situations read from cards and decide in the moment whether to avoid, alert, or escape. It brings together distance, a firm voice, and previously learned escapes, with a debrief after each case.
How to play
- Groups of 4 and four stations marked with cones and mats, each with 3 scenario cards: a bus stop at night, someone who insists on walking you home, a backpack grab, a group surrounding you on the street (3 min).
- Each case has a lead, an actor who creates the situation at low intensity, and two observers with a three-question sheet: Did they see it coming? Did they use voice and distance? Did they look for help?
- Role-play (1 min per case): the actor follows the card script; the lead decides and acts: cross the street, ask a specific person for help, use the fence stance and voice, or break free and walk away.
- Debrief (1 min): the observers give feedback and the group suggests another possible response. Repeat with a new lead until all 4 have had the role.
- Rotate stations every 5 minutes on the whistle; four stations total (20 min).
- Wrap-up (2 min): share the most useful responses and real resources: 911 and trusted adults.
Rules
- The actor never grabs hard or chases at a run.
- Anyone may say "Pause" and the scenario stops with no explanation needed.
- No scenarios involving sexual violence or weapons are acted out.
- What is said in the group stays in the group; nobody discusses personal stories outside class.
Variations
Easier
The lead knows the scenario ahead of time and plans it with the group.
Standard
Cards are read on the spot with live decisions.
Harder
The actor changes one detail without warning and the lead has to adapt.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: take part as the lead, adapting responses to a wheelchair, or as the head observer.
- Anxiety or past experiences: the student may observe the whole circuit and choose whether to act.
- Lower fitness: exits are brisk walks with no running.
Learning goals
- Recognize warning signs in everyday situations.
- Choose appropriately between avoiding, alerting, and escaping.
- Value prevention and getting help over confrontation.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cards: 12
- cones: 16
- mats: 4
Teacher tip
Write the cards in everyday language without details that could upset anyone. Stay close to the backpack-grab station, the only one with contact.
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