How Not to Become a Victim of Assault | Lifestyle

by TeresaBernard

One of the most common crimes in our society is personal assault. No matter what type of attack it may be, whether robbery, mugging, etc., it is can cause serious damage to our sense of personal security and well being. How does one avoid becoming the next victim of a violent crime? Why does an assailant look for when he chooses his next prey? Attackers can easily spot the signals of their next likely target. Knowing what they look for when they make their selection can help you steer clear of being that unlucky person.

An assailant is looking for an easy mark. One who appears powerless, meek and naive. A target not capable (or won't) fight back is someone who is easy to waylay. It's important to know that the your prospect of becoming a victim is predisposed by the signals you aren't even aware you are sending to an assailant. Our body language and non-verbal cues are the unconscious signals that make up 80-90% of our communication to others. Attackers, whether consciously or instinctively, will form an opinion about you. They determine how easy you will be to subdue and control from these signals.

Fortunately there are a number of methods that can be utilized to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of personal attack. If predators look for potential prey who appears to be powerless, vulnerable and naive, then you must project the reverse of that. One way is to carry yourself with confidence. Confidence is a non-victim quality. The more self-assured you appear to others, lessens your chances of being someone's target. An attacker won't choose a victim who appears to be difficult to overcome or will put up a fight. Any sign of strength or defiance, whether deliberate or implied, is often sufficient to cause a predator to look elsewhere for any easier target. One way to portray self-assurance is by walking briskly with a purpose, with your head held upright and looking alert.

Another way to reduce the chances of becoming a statistic is to be keenly aware of your surroundings at all times. You not only increase the odds of detecting a potential assailant, but you also project an image of vigilance. Be aware of who is around you and what activities or events are taking place at all times. Look at people who are walking toward you. Make eye contact with them. Criminals look for prey who are distracted and off guard. So put away the "electronic gizmos!" Get off the cell phone, iPod, PDA and laptop. Using these devices in public places like parking garages, malls, parks, etc., lessens your ability to detect a threat and will make you an easy target. If you are distracted and not paying attention you won't even know you are being attacked until it is too late.

In addition to portraying self-assurance and being acutely vigilant, you should make it a habit to protect yourself from harm by carrying a few standard self-defense products such as a personal alarm, pepper spray and/or stun gun. A personal alarm is the ideal self-protection device for drawing attention to yourself when needed. These small, inexpensive items are easily carried and emit a deafening and abhorrent noise. Pepper spray is a non-lethal defensive aerosol that is made from oleoresin capsicum (OC), a derivative of pepper. It irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness. A stun gun is a defensive weapon designed to momentarily immobilize an attacker by delivering a non-lethal, high-voltage electric shock. But remember, these security devices will not keep you safe if you do not use them.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

To find out more about self defense devices like personal alarms, pepper spray or stun guns visit www.a1selfdefenseproducts.com.