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Victim's Options:
Overview

What are a victim's options when suddenly threatened by a predator? "Fight or flight” are the two most well known. Martial arts' theory usually adds surrender to the mix. I’ve added two more: outsmart and posture, and aligned them all with FBI victim guidelines (and also clarified their clunky terminology):

1. Posturing: presenting yourself as a tough target (predators prefer easy prey). If that doesn’t work:
2. Fleeing, the most obvious choice, might not be possible. If not:
3. Outsmarting: by verbally defusing a confrontation and maneuvering toward escape. If that doesn’t work:
4. Surrendering and hoping for the best; or preferably as a prelude to an escape, perhaps aided by:
5. Fighting like a mad dog to enable your escape. Stun & run.

It’s impossible to fully anticipate the panicky chaos of a sudden threat forcing you to choose among a victim's options in a split-second. Nonetheless, understanding your options now will help your Intuition choose an option then.

Enhancing Your Options
Pepper Spray & a Noisemaker visibly ready will greatly enhance your first option – Posturing as a tough target – and probably deter a predator immediately. Your fifth option – Fighting – is enhanced as well.

Face-to-Face Factors
Your wariness: using a cell phone or headphones, or daydreaming, is like a lame antelope attracting a lion.
The type of assailant: is he a scared yet volatile kid, a depraved lunatic, or somewhere in between?
The presence of a weapon or an accomplice: neither may be visible at first.
The location: populated areas might inhibit him. And, is it your turf or his? Familiarity makes a difference.
Your personality: can a passive person be aggressive? Can an aggressive person surrender (or fake it)?
Your abilities to strategize and fight.
Your willingness to truly fight for your life – and to never give up.

Five Options for Victims of Violent Crimes:
Crime Prevention Tips
& Personal Safety Devices

You should expect intimidating threats and expect to be hurt, but should especially expect to survive (see Hope is Key in Willpower). Opportunities may arise as the scene unfolds. A victim must trust her Intuition to choose among the five options:

Victim’s Options - Overview (YOU’RE NOW ON THIS PAGE).
1st Option - Posturing: presenting yourself as a tough target (predators prefer easy prey). If that doesn’t work:
2nd Option - Fleeing, the most obvious choice, might not be possible. If not:
3rd Option - Outsmarting: by verbally defusing a confrontation and maneuvering toward escape. If that doesn’t work:
4th Option - Surrendering: as a prelude to an escape, perhaps aided by:
5th Option - Fighting like a mad dog to enable your escape. Stun & run.
Recap of this section.
Personal Safety Devices

kravmagatv.com

KRAV MAGA, a practical self-defense system used by many police forces worldwide, teaches you to defend yourself, enhances your survival instinct, and can be applied under extreme stress. It's not flashy, just very effective. I highly recommend it. The Krav Maga TV - Online Training videos are especially convenient to learn at home when your schedule allows or if you don't live near a training center.

Go to
1st Option - Posturing | 2nd Option - Fleeing | 3rd Option - Outsmarting | 4th Option - Surrendering | 5th Option - Fighting | Street Crime FAQ | Urban Myths | Myth Busters | Crimes of Passion | Victim's Options - Recap
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