When walking in public, remember these two words: ‘BE CONFIDENT’. Walking confidently will minimize your chances of being a victim of robbery or assault.
A would-be attacker, robber, or assailant will always seek easy prey. Just as the weakest of the herd in the animal kingdom typically falls first to a hungry predator, so too will a similarly apparent human become the likely victim of crime before that of a more confident-appearing person.
This is particularly true for women, who are not usually as physically strong as most men. A few simple, practiced traits could discourage a lurking attacker.
Appear, and be, confident while you are out in public.
Walk with purpose, direction, and intent. Know where you are going, walk tall, shoulders back, and take confident strides. Use your eyes to look outward, rather than looking down. Keep your eyes off your cell phone during this time. Focus your awareness outward into the public space. Eyes and Ears.
This alone will influence most potential attackers to pause, allowing you to pass through their zone. You see, those looking for an easy robbery or victim will purposely choose someone they feel will offer the least resistance and the easiest means of escape after the fact.
While there will always be exceptions to this, the appearance of confidence is the simplest and most effective means of staying safe if you want to beat the odds. Walk confidently.
Be observant and take appropriate action when it doesn’t feel right.
Example… Imagine walking directly towards a destination down the street, two intersections away. While you are looking ahead, beyond what is directly in front of you, you notice a group of questionable characters hanging out near the sidewalk beyond the next street intersection. You take control of the situation, crossing over to the other side with purpose, as if it were your intent. This intentional decision-making for your personal safety gives you the power to adapt your path as needed, crossing back over later if you feel safe.
Example… You are walking back to your vehicle, which is parked in a mall parking lot or parking garage. Instead of fumbling for your keys after you’ve arrived at the vehicle, have your keys in hand while walking towards your car, able to make a quick and efficient entry. And for added peace of mind, could you carry a small pepper-spray canister attached to your key chain? It’s a simple yet powerful tool you can use as you grasp it, when you are ready. A whistle on the key chain is a good deterrent, too. These are simple, easy-to-follow tips that can make a big difference.
The key is to avoid confrontation in the first place. Appearing and being confident will often be all that you need to avoid becoming a victim. Walk with confidence.
Practice it!
[ Read: SABRE Pepper Spray Non-Lethal Defense ]
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