One only has to take a look at the headlines about Major Metropolitan cities where violence is a daily occurrence. In the event that you “have” to traval to those places, it is best to be prepared mentally, physically and legally.
Mentally: Know that violent episodes can occur almost anywhere in public places. Fights have been known to break out at Airports, Fast-food restaurants, public transportation and even the happiest place on earth: Disneyland.
My best advice is to stay out of the main areas where these types of violent altercations might spark up at any time.
And in the event that you are not able to avoid those areas, look for the potential troublemakers. Your job is to spot them before they spot you. And when you see them, be prepared to make a quick exit (if possible). If getting out of the immediate area is not possible, if trouble heads your way, quickly evaluate your situation.
- First look at the person’s hands to determine if they are holding (or have immediate access to) a weapon.
- Second, watch your distance and your six. Violent offenders usually size up their targets and although they may attack at any angle, they may prefer catching their victim while the victim is not ready or cannot see their approach.
- Third, you should already have considered your exit plan. Your exit plan may involve striking and running, or a completed defensive technique. It is important that when you do make contact with the violent offender, your goal is to incapacitate them to prevent them from causing you (or others) the potential for harm.
- Fourth, don’t count on anyone coming to your aid. In many situations, people may be fearful of getting involved for too many reasons. If you get involved in a violent encounter, count on going it alone.
Physically: You want to be in some sort of physical shape. I’m not asking that you are prepared to compete in the Olympics, but you should be physically prepared to defend yourself. This also includes knowing self-defense techniques that can debilitate your opponent and those techniques are second nature.
Legally: There are many places around this country that will honor a person’s right to self-defense. However, there are some places that have made national news by showing they will prosecute the person who is defending themselves or others from a violent offender, even if that offender has a lengthy criminal record for committing violent acts. Make sure you are 100% justified in not only your involvement, but the level of force used against the violent offender. Remember, your intent is to stop the violent offender by using the “appropriate” level of force.