Back some years ago, my daughter was attending college classes abroad in Europe. One evening, after attending a function, she began her walk back to her dorm. That’s when the uneasy feeling hit. Three individuals were trailing her. Her gut recognized danger, and she thankfully listened.
She started evasive maneuvers immediately, weaving across the street multiple times. Yet, they mirrored her every move. Undeterred, she continued to the subway, hoping to shake them. Down the steps she went, only to find them right behind her. Through the turnstiles, onto a train, and even changing cars three times – still, they followed.
By the time she reached the last car, reality set in: it was just her against three. A terrifying moment for anyone, let alone a young woman alone in a foreign country.
In that critical moment, she remembered a vital self-defense principle: understand what your attackers want, and more importantly, what they don’t want.
Most attackers, especially those engaging in predatory behavior, need anonymity. They want to operate in the shadows, avoiding identification and any situation that could expose them. They crave easy targets and dislike complications.
Armed with this knowledge, she took action. She calmly reached into her bag, pulled out her smartphone, and looked directly at them. “I don’t know who you are,” she stated confidently, “but my friends are going to know you right now.”
Without hesitation, she began taking their photos.
The effect was instant. As soon as they realized their faces were being captured, they scattered, leaving her alone and safe.
My daughter’s story isn’t just about a smart phone; it’s about smart thinking. Here’s what we can all learn:
Trust Your Gut: That uneasy feeling is your body’s built-in alarm system. Never ignore it. If something feels off, it probably is.
Situational Awareness is Your First Line of Defense: Be aware of your surroundings. Who’s around you? What’s happening? The more present you are, the better you can detect potential threats early.
Have a Plan, Even a Simple One: My daughter didn’t panic. She had a plan to try and lose them (crossing streets, using the subway) and when that didn’t work, she escalated her strategy.
Leverage Modern Tools (Smartphones!): Your phone isn’t just for calls and social media. It can be a powerful self-defense tool. The camera function, the ability to call for help, or even the flashlight can deter an attacker.
Understand Attacker Psychology: Most attackers want to avoid a fight, attention, and being identified. Knowing this can help you de-escalate or deter a situation without physical confrontation. They don’t want witnesses or evidence.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: This is easier said than done, but remaining calm allows you to think clearly and execute a plan.
Your personal safety is paramount. At Krav Maga Personal Safety we understand that while physical self-defense training is incredibly valuable, sometimes the most effective defense is non-confrontational. By being aware, trusting your instincts, and understanding the psychology of potential threats, you empower yourself to turn the tables, just like my daughter did!
What are your go-to strategies for staying aware in public?
