I learned self-defense techniques at the State Police Academy in Connecticut when I went through my auxiliary state trooper training. It's a great thing to have!

The one thing they taught us was to be aware of your surroundings at all times, know where ALL the entrances and exits are, ALWAYS walk near the street as opposed to near buildings (where someone can scoop you up in a nanosecond) and always look over your shoulder. To this day, whenever I go out to dinner, I always sit facing the door.