Blog | LaBCaF, LLC

What You Don’t Know About Domestic Violence

July 10, 2017

Did you know that every year the injuries sustained by domestic violence exceed automobile accidents, muggings, and cancer deaths combined! It is astounding the impact that this has! Cranford found this infographic that gave some staggering stats on domestic violence. After reading the statistics, take a look at the signs that domestic violence may be occurring in the lives of those close to you. If you are seeking shelter or resources for yourself, or a loved one, click this link…

The Problems with Police (and Deputies)

July 2, 2017

(Why you MUST be ready to take care of yourself) By Cranford Blackmon Before we get started, let me say 2 things: 1) I used to be a police officer (so this is all true) 2) This article doesn’t put down police officers (get lost police haters!) Still interested? Then read on. We like to think that the police (or any law enforcement officers) are there to take care of us. I mean we’ve all heard of the police motto…

5 Steps for Handling Danger Like an Animal!

June 19, 2017

How to use your legs and brains, claws and fangs: By Cranford Blackmon We can learn a lot from nature. Animals can teach us so much about community, having fun, and staying safe. We just need to pay attention. Staying safe like the animals do is something that is already within us. But, now that we’re “civilized,” we forget HOW to do that stuff. So here’s some reminders for your animal brain on being safe: Pay attention Keep your eyes…

6 Female Views on Women’s Safety Programs

June 5, 2017

6 Female Views on Women’s Safety Programs “Why would I take a women’s self-defense course?” The RIGHT to be safe Here at LaBCaF we believe EVERY woman has the right to be safe. We also believe that the VAST majority of women in the world don’t know how to be safe. What might be worse is the number of women who actually believe “safety” isn’t an issue for them. Yes, there are really women out there like that. How do…

5 Steps to Navigating a Parking Lot Safely

June 5, 2017

Afraid in a Parking Lot One of the most common fears that I hear women talk about is their fear of being attacked in a parking lot. I remember having uncertainty when going in and out of places, especially if it was dark outside. After learning how to be situationally aware in our Shecret Agent 101 class, I started using the skills that are taught there. I realized the other day that I now have a specific process I use…

How to Make Your Home Safer

May 30, 2017

By Cranford Blackmon I’m so excited that what we are doing to keep women safe is reaching out beyond our local area. Although we’re not teaching outside of Alabama yet (as of this post’s date anyway), our articles are being seen and read by people around the country. Nicole from ABC Locksmith down in Clearwater, FL found our article “Plants as Part of your Home Security Plan.” As a locksmith company, ABC also tries to educate their customers and readers…

She said NO, but they didn’t take her seriously!

May 21, 2017

The day our daughter told two boys to “stop!” One third of our Fortress Building Class is focused on creating personal boundaries. There is a personal reason that we spend that much time on this important piece of self-protection. It started with our daughter. It started as fun. When our oldest daughter was a senior in high school, she had two close friends that were guys. It was a common occurrence for them that when they hung out, in true…

LaBCaF Lessons from a Cat

May 14, 2017

By Cranford Blackmon What do you picture in your mind when I say “kitty?” Is it cute? Is it adorable? Fluffy? A cuddly purring ball of furry happiness? What about when I say, “putting your cat in the tub for a bath?” Still adorable and sweet? Probably not. How about irritated, determined, razor footed monster, with a mouth full of needle teeth? Cats really don’t mind letting you know what they think. This is especially true when they are unhappy,…

Using Legs & Brains to Escape a Kidnapper in Birmingham, AL

May 14, 2017

By Cranford Blackmon On March 14, 2017, a young woman was kidnapped in Birmingham AL. But after several terrifying hours, because she kept her focus on surviving and then got creative, she escaped! Thank goodness for her clarity of thinking and a positive mindset. I won’t recount her story here. You can read the whole thing by clicking the link below. What I do want to say is that she is an awesome example to women everywhere. Even when terrified,…

An Uncomfortable Conversation

May 7, 2017

Self-Protection Includes Communication Even When It is Difficult Sarah Beaulieu is a Boston-based writer, speaker and advocate who has spent the last several years interviewing men and women about sexual violence. We found her TED Talk the other day and loved the message she is sharing. In a world where 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have been sexually assaulted, society is looking for a way to stop the violence. It starts with being willing to have…

The “Sweet” Side of Domestic Violence

May 4, 2017

By Cranford Blackmon I love what we do through our company (LaBCaF.com). What I don’t love are the things our classes and blog posts are meant to stop, or at least decrease the likelihood of happening: sexual violence, assaults, abduction, and domestic violence, to name a few. Our focus on “self-protection” is our effort to teach women of all ages to avoid trouble rather than have to handle it with “self-defense.” You know the old but accurate proverb “An ounce…

A Gift for Me is a Gift for Thee (OR What to Buy for my Dad)

April 24, 2017

By Cranford Blackmon At the time of this writing, I am the dad of 7 and the granddad of 6. So you might guess that my wife Penny gets the occasional text or call that goes something like this: “Mom, I have no idea what to get Cran! Any ideas?” I’m pretty sure that same message goes out to millions of moms every year for Father’s Day, birthdays, and of course Christmas. Well, if all those other dads out there…