If you watch the news, you've most likely seen the current rise in street assaults. Even those who have self defense instruction or are counting on their 'tough' appearance to dissuade an attacker are not immune to violent crimes. No matter how cautious you are, it is impossible to totally avoid the possibility of a violent attack. With this in mind, here are 7 things you must know to survive a violent attack:

1. The assault will happen rapidly. This is especially true if you're not paying attention to what is going on, permitting someone to sneak up behind you unnoticed. A situation can change from two strangers passing on a dark alleyway to you being on the ground, the victim of a violent crime, in seconds.

2. Street self defense isn't like a movie fight. Too many people believe that real fights happen like the choreographed fights they see on TV. It won't be that simple. Your attacker has come prepared for a fight, and will not give up easily. Real fighting isn't pretty, and you will probably end up wounded no matter who wins. If you have to physically fight your way away from an attacker, don't expect to just use memorized kicks or punches.

3. Fighting back demands a quick response in a moment of fear. Even those whose self defense techniques are well practiced find that during the moment an attack begins, they are frozen with fear. As your heart is racing, you'll need to intuitively move into action to defend yourself. Surviving demands putting up a fight immediately.

4. Your security is up to you. In your time of need, you can't count on a police officer being close enough to help you while the attack is in progress. You are your own primary line of defense, and you must be prepared for this.

5. Getting away calls for control of the situation. If you are caught unaware by a surprise assault and are not at all able to get your attacker's hands off you, you have no means to get away. A self defense device like pepper spray will provide a clear advantage when it comes to gaining control over the assailant. To stand the best chance of escape, get the upper hand by using self defense products against your attacker.

6. Take for granted you're fighting an armed attacker. Sure, this isn't always the case, but it often is. Being up against a knife or gun is one of the scariest potential scenarios, but it happens hundreds of times every day. This is another scenario in which carrying a stun gun or pepper spray canister is particularly helpful, enabling you to level the playing field by providing you a way to fight off the assailant, dropping your likelihood of injuries.

7. Escaping the situation requires fighting dirty. When you're attacked, there's no such thing as a "fair fight" or a "clean fight." Use everything you have to your advantage. If you are not carrying a self defense product, use your car keys, your fingernails, and anything else you can think of.