If you are walking and have your purse across your shoulder, it would harder than if you just had your hand bag in your hand. If a thief does try to grab your purse, you first reaction is to pull it closer into your body. This will only make the thief try harder and you could end up injuring yourself. If you see a potential dangerous situation beginning to develop do not be afraid to scream. Even if you are mistaken, it is not against the law to scream your head off. The person will most likely change his mind if he knows you are not afraid to scream. Rape is about control and if this is the crime in which that person wants to commit, he knows he is not in control of the situation is you are screaming and yelling. Pressure points as defined by women's self defense experts are points that have a prevalenc of nerves in it. When pressure is applied to these points, pain is felt and the natural reaction to move away from pain gives the victim an advantage. The reflex is called a pain withdrawal reflex and it will move in the exact opposite direction that the pressure is being applied. If the attack is more physical women's self defense will teach you some self defense moves to ward off or disable the attacker long enough to get away or to get help. A simple kick to the groin can leave an attacker disabled and in pain. Women's self defense courses also teach you to use weapons like your purse or umbrella to ward of the would be assailant. That is about two inches below the chest bone. A good jab in the ribs will also deter the assailant. Women's self defense classes may teach you to pull the hair of your attacker. This is a good tactic if he is already upon you, but if you have the time there is probably stuff in your purse relating to hair that you can use as a weapon. The more visible you are the less likely you are to be attacked. Be aware of your surroundings. Look who is walking behind and in front of you. Women's self defense programs like the Rape Aggression Defense will tell you that without awareness you are putting yourself at serious risk. If you do end up in the position where you are being attacked, women's self defense will then demand that you become physical.