By Ed Santos, The Shooting Channel
It is not that difficult… Keeping yourself and your family safe is easier than you may think. But, like so many things today we are always looking for a gimmick to make washing the car easier, a pill to lose weight, in other words the easy way out. But when it comes to safety and the protection of all things dear to us… there are no gimmicks.
The answer is one you have all heard before…raise your level of awareness.
We must understand that an attack can occur in almost any situation and for a variety of reasons. The more aware we are of our surroundings the safer we will be.
Can your body language make you a potential victim? The answer is a resounding YES! A recent study by the Department of Justice indicated that 70% of convicted felons indicated they would not have initiated their attack if their victim would have verbally indicated their willingness to resist. Raising your level of awareness is the single most important thing you can do to keep yourself or your family safe.
Beyond any defense tools you can carry, or techniques you could master, being aware is the first step in keeping safe. Use your command voice. If attacked in public, scream – yell and do it all with a loud deep voice. Yell, “NO! Get away! Leave me alone!” Don’t be afraid to get verbally aggressive in your response.
In this case the woman was fully aware of the attackers behavior. It didn’t end well for him.
Self-control is an often overlooked deterrent to violence or conflict. Many fights or arguments begin as a result of someone saying something offensive, or stupid. Advice a teacher gave me many years ago may just be the solution here “Think before you speak.” I am still amazed at how many people believe that as adults we fight “fair.” Trust me, we left those days behind when we graduated school. As adults we are often subjected to multiple attackers with weapons.
Speaking of weapons, keep an open mind. Many very useful weapons can be found within your home or place of business. Weapons of opportunity may just be your salvation. Give some consideration to the items around you and think of how they may be used as a weapon. Items such as pens, rolled up magazines, keys, credit cards, wasp spray and so on can be very effective.
Most attacks occur in diminished light. Carry a quality flashlight at all times! Don’t be in dark and secluded places alone. If possible try to always go with at least one other person or a group. Avoid stairwells when alone and don’t be afraid to skip stepping into an elevator if the person inside makes you uncomfortable. Never go to the restroom in a bar or restaurant alone.
The mere thought of someone attempting to hurt you should make your blood boil. If you can avoid trouble by all means do it. If someone wants to bind you or take you away, it must end there. Never allow that to happen to you. If someone is willing to hurt you in a public place, think what they would do to you in a secluded place.
Bottom line, raise your level of awareness and refuse to be a victim
Be Safe…..
About the Author
Ed Santos is author of the books “Rule the Night Win the Fight” published 2008 and his latest “Low-Light Combatives” published 2013. He is the Owner/Founder of Center Target Sports, Inc. and Tactical Services Group. He teaches advanced firearm skills and Low-light training around the world and can be reached at ed@tacticalservicesgroup.com.
Thanks to the team at The Shooting Channel for this contribution. Click here to visit TheShootingChannel.com.
