Copyrights by Women's Self-Defense UK
Types of violence: spontaneous and pre-meditated
The topic of violence is incredibly complex in nature, yet there are certain measures that can help indicate and predict violent behaviour. For the purpose of simplifying the types of violence that can occur, let’s make a division between those that are spontaneous and those that are premeditated (thought out or planned). Spontaneous attacks on women involve a trigger, and are usually committed in the heat of the moment by someone with whom we came in contact with; whether it be partners, co-workers, or someone we met. Premeditated attacks would be those that require a bit more planning, such as mugging, burglary, and thought-out sexual assault.
That latter process involves choosing the right location, selecting the victim, coming in close physical contact, testing, and applying force. These steps allow us to recognise a pattern in which those individuals operate and identify when we may have been selected as a potential victim.
Stages of premeditated assault: Selection, Testing, Force
The distinction between spontaneous and planned acts of violence can help us establish when, and in which places we can come under attack.
When we are in close vicinity to the assailant, the attack can happen in any of the shared spaces that we occupy (home, work place, social gathering space). The acts of violence against women perpetrated by strangers will likely happen in spaces where the perpetrator feels that they have taken control over their victim. This will usually mean they have to first establish communication and rapport in order to make the target acquiesce to their demands (get into the car, get into a room with them) where they can carry out the attack. It is therefore crucial for us to understand the context and steps that lead to violence, so that we can better recognise it and protect ourselves from it.
Selecting Location
The location of places where we become vulnerable depends on the type of crime that is likely to be committed. For example, for muggers, busy places such as streets and shopping malls are where they are going to search for targets. In those social spaces people tend to be less cautious, giving the perfect opportunity for the mugger to steal. We need to remember that busy spaces do not necessarily translate into safer spaces. Any space could potentially become menacing, depending on the context. While our homes may feel safe when equipped with alarm systems and video cameras, inviting a stranger into our house, or holding a house party with unknown guests attending may suddenly become threatening. We also need to consider how spaces become more and less minacious depending on the time of the day, or night. A street we walk on in bright daylight with plenty of passers-by does not provide the same level of security at late hours of the night when shops are shut, corner spaces aren’t well lit and there are no people around.
Busy social spaces are also locations where predators often select their victims. Being aware of that is going to make you more vigilant when approached by a complete stranger even in a seemingly safe environment.
Body Language as a determining factor in victim selection.
‘Body language and tone of voice – not words- are our most powerful tools’
Christopher Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator.
Our body language is one of the most important social communication tools. It also has great implications when it comes to becoming a potential target of an assault.
In various studies it has been found that when it comes to victim selection, there are congruent patterns in predator assessment of potential victims. The 'selected' victims were usually described as physically frail, with uneven arm swings and a weak posture.
In order to decrease the chances of becoming a victim, we could therefore assume a confident style of walking. Confident and purposeful walking would include a strong and slightly faster stride and coordinated arm swings. Appearing fit would also be to your advantage, and this could include upright posture (no hunching), forward gaze, even forward steps with no sway. Needless to say, those of us who are physically stronger would naturally assume that posture, therefore any type of additional physical activity such as a gym workout, yoga, and even swimming, can greatly improve our ability to maintain good posture and balance.
Surveillance/Testing
Once the predatory individual has selected his victim, he can conduct surveillance on them, and/or enter the testing phase.
If the attacker is looking to break into the space where the victim is located, he needs to ensure that the target is alone, therefore he will usually carry out surveillance on the victim. He will observe the person and their habits to pick the right timing for their planned action.
If there is anything that raises your suspicion, such as someone following, stalking, taking pictures, this should be treated as a red flag, and precautionary measures must be taken to ensure safety of your journey home and the safety of the living space. Any odd behaviour should be immediately reported to the community. You can ask neighbours or friends to accompany you home and ensure that there is someone in close vicinity you can call for help if the situation escalates.
The testing phase is likely to occur when perpetrator is targeting a victim at a place where they aren’t isolated. He will try to persuade the person to accompany him to a different location, where he won’t have anyone intervening in his attack. Before deciding to be 1:1 with a stranger, consider how much do you know the person and what could be their intentions.
Applying Force
Once the victim has been isolated, this is when the attacker would use physical force to achieve his goal. This is the stage where we have the legal right to defend ourselves according to legal standards, which in the UK are described as 'reasonable in the circumstances' as the person defending believes them to be. The amount of force used for self-defense purposes needs to be 'necessary' and only used when all other alternative options have failed.