The likelihood of suffering an aggression in the public space seems to be clearly on the rise in recent years.
It is of course normal and understandable that an emergency situation (such as an aggression) may cause you to panic mainly due to a lack of preparation and habit.
Here are some basic tips to avoid an active aggressor. Of course, we hope that you will never have to apply for them!
Tips to avoid an active aggressor
Your first option
The first reflex you should have when facing an aggression is to study your possibilities regarding the present danger.
If your opponent is armed the best option is to flee and thus totally avoid problems. Whatever happens, it’s still the best solution to protect yourself.
Of course, some people will first have to succeed in muting their pride before considering such a solution.
Favor fleeing to crowded places, which usually make the aggressors flee because they could be recognized.
Running away is only possible if you won’t abandon someone who is vulnerable (a child, an elderly person, etc.) to the aggressor. But this is still the safest tips to avoid an active aggressor when you are alone.
If you can’t run away… In the cases where escape is impossible or if you yourself want to assist a person under attack, you will have to adopt the right reflexes for your protection. For this, you will need a minimum of situational awareness.
Analyze the situation
The analysis of the situation seems to be more common sense than real advice. However, many people who are subjected to a high level of stress do not have the reflex of a true analysis of the events in progress.
This is why it is important to keep in mind the importance of this step. In this type of situation, you must quickly take into account all the surrounding parameters in order to decide on the best possible response.
During this analysis phase, you will also have to answer a question of crucial importance for the future: why am I taking risks?
If your attacker wants your wallet, is it worth risking your life for a few bucks?
Of course, it is absolutely not tolerable that such a thing could happen, but you have to accept it for your own protection.
If you feel that your attacker is after your physical integrity (or worse, rape or attempted murder), then you will necessarily have to defend yourself. You will have no other way out.
Attitudes to avoid
Certain reflexes can lead you to your loss so it is absolutely necessary to restrain them. For example, never make the mistake of underestimating the aggressor..( Because he is small, not very muscular, or totally drunk) or you will be exposed to terrible disappointments.
Indeed, nothing prevents the aggressor from being armed or totally out of control under the influence of certain substances, or from being a black belt in a martial art.
Also, avoid being overly aggressive and self-confident. This type of attitude is often dangerous and can increase the aggressor’s attention and even anger.
On the contrary, try to keep as calm as possible. For example, if you have to defend yourself, the abuser may be totally surprised.
Ask for help
If you are ever assaulted in a crowded area, you should not hesitate to ask for help. Someone will be able to intervene to help you or even simply notify the police, who will intervene quickly.
There are also personal anti-aggression alarms. This is a device that you will carry with you.
If you feel the imminence of an attack on your person then you will just have to activate the alarm to put your attacker on the run. Indeed, their sound level is very high and you will necessarily attract all eyes.
The confrontation
Here we are, you have only one way out, which is physical confrontation. The reflection phase is over, you must now act with energy.
This is a fight in which your goal will be to put the aggressor on the run or to give yourself time to flee.
You must hurt your opponent. There is no room in this case for half-measures. So don’t hesitate to aim at his face (especially his eyes), throat and testicles if he is a man.
It is also possible for you to take a self-defense or even martial arts classes in order to prepare yourself in the best possible way for this kind of situation.
Don’t hesitate to use anything you can get your hands on to defend yourself and free yourself from your attacker’s grip.
An umbrella, a stone, or even your keys can sometimes get you out of tricky situations.
You can also carry a tear gas canister or a device that triggers electric shocks (such as the TASER used by the police). Remember, however, that your response must be proportionate to the assault.
What happens after the assault?
If you have just put your attacker out of action, then don’t hesitate to run away before he comes to his senses.
If you or someone close to you is injured, then call for help. Do not hesitate to contact the police and give them as much information as possible about the profile of your aggressor.
