Whether you are a man or a woman, the threat of a potential attack is always present.
While it is a good idea to study self defense should you find yourself engaged in an unavoidable attack, it is always the best policy to avoid the attack altogether if possible.
Here are 6 tips when dealing with a possible attack:
1) Awareness
Many attackers gain the upper hand by utilizing the element of surprise to prey on an unaware victim. This is why it is so important to always be aware of your surroundings.
Whether you are in a very populated public place, such as a shopping center or gas station, or walking down a quiet street, always take note of people around you and their proximity to you. If your instincts tell you that someone is moving into your space or following you, you will want to be able to react quickly.
In addition, always have an exit strategy. When you walk into a building or room it is a good idea to take note of where the exits are and if necessary position your self accordingly.
In the event of a possible attack this strategy could prevent you from being backed up against a wall and trapped. If you must walk home or to your car by yourself, plan out a route that is public and, if possible, has safe spots (such as stores or a friend’s home) that you can use if necessary.
2) Eye Contact
It has often been said that “most fights are won before they start.”
Making eye contact with a potential aggressor is a very important part of deterring an attack. As discussed above, most attackers are more likely to take advantage of someone who is not aware of their surroundings.
If eye contact is made your body language will come across as confident and cognizant of your surroundings, rather than timid and unaware, and can help deter a possible attack.
3) Confidence in tone and posture
A potential attacker may try to speak to you first in an attempt find out if you are a timid person.
In addition to eye contact, it is important to always give the impression of confidence in your tone of voice and posture. If you fail to do this, you may come across as a weak target.
4) Get have your hands up
If you feel that there is even a slight possibility of an attack one of the most important things you can do is to get your hands up. Use them while you talk in a none threatening manner.
The important thing is to start to create a line of defense rather than playing quick draw.
This not only helps with a quicker and more prepared retaliation in the event of an attack, but also will prevent two of your most important weapons from being pinned down at your side.
5) Walk or, better yet, run away
Be aware of where the exits are! Since attacks are so variable, the safest and smartest thing to do is to remove yourself from the situation completely, if possible. If you are able to walk or run away from an attack then do so. However, you should never turn back on your attacker(s).
6) Call or Yell for help
Calling for help and making as much noise as possible can often deter an attacker. An attacker will usually not want to attract attention to what they are doing so there is a good chance that they will abandon the attack all together.
It’s sad but true that bystanders are less likely to get involved in a situation that sounds like an attack.
Studies have shown that calling for help in general, while it may deter an attacker by attracting unwanted attention, sometimes is enough to prompt bystanders to come to your aide.
If you are in a situation when someone else is around and you need their help be sure to make this clear to them by directing your calls specifically to them.
For example, yell, “you in the blue jacket! Please help me and call the police!” as studies have shown that bystanders are more likely to get involved if they are specifically identified.
Keep these 6 tips in mind when you’re out on the streets. They can help keep you safe.
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