Awareness and Avoidance tactics to employ

Familiarising yourself with these points will have a dramatic effect if needed.

Key points when going out

Make sure people are aware of where you are going and what time you will be back. If you live by yourself, tell a family member or friend and text them when you get back.

If you are running late call or text them, never be that person who is always late without saying you are late.

When out at a pub, club or function;

  1. Be careful if you leave or get a lift with someone you don’t know.

  2. Make sure you have a way of getting home before you go out.

  3. Be careful in excepting a drink from a stranger.

If you think your drink has been spiked;

  1. Tell a trusted friend or member of staff.

  2. Ask to sit in a safe place and drink plenty of water.

  3. Contact an ambulance. Failing that, contact a trusted friend who can either take you to the hospital or go along with you.

When out running

  1. Do not use the exact same route all the time, as this would make a pre-empted attack easier but make sure someone knows which route you have taken. Draw a map with numbered routes.

  2. A running partner will deter attackers and it is scientifically proven that training along side someone increases your effort and gains.

  3. If you need a breather run slower, do not stop (even if your shoe lace has come undone) but if you need to stop make sure it is in an area you know and one which is safe.

Other points which relate to all areas;

  1. Do not take short cuts, keep to frequently used routes by the public.

  2. When listening to music keep an ear free from the music so you are aware of your surroundings.

  3. KEEP YOURSELF AWARE! Only text or call if needed to when walking.

If you are driving;

  1. Make sure you have enough fuel for the journey before leaving.

  2. While driving lock your passenger doors.

  3. Don’t leave your car unlocked even when at home, also check the rear seats and foot wells before getting in.

  4. Make sure your parking is clever. Park in a well lit spot with plenty of room, in case you have to drive off in a hurry.

Keeping your distance;

  1. Move back to a distance you are comfortable with.

  2. When giving directions (even if they are in a car) keep a distance back in which you have time to react within.

  3. Do not enter confined spaces e.g. Lifts, if there is alone person in there or the situation feels wrong. If someone enters the space after you, who makes you feel uncomfortable, get out! But look controlled and not panicked.

If you think you are being followed;

1) Cross the street to establish that you are being followed.

2) Think ahead…Keep calm and head for a public place even if it takes you away from your destination.

3) If you can (without slowing down) take out your phone and call the police. Also, arm yourself with keys, deodorant or a rape alarm.

DON’T

  1. Take a short cut or unfamiliar route

  2. Enter a phone box or confined space to hide.

  3. Approach a property with a light on unless you can visibly see there are people inside.

What should I do if I am attacked?

  1. Do not fight for items. Items can be replaced, you can not!

  2. Empty your contents on to the floor and run!

  3. You have the right to defend yourself. The law allows sufficient force to be applied in self defence.

  4. HIT & RUN. Get out of the situation! Don’t just look to cause pain, look to impede the attackers sight and movement.

  5. Don’t cry rape, cry FIRE!

  6. Use everyday items as weapons e.g. Keys, pen, Umbrella etc

Knowledge in positivity

Self defence has no rules and is sneaky, do not be worried to apply under handed tactics.

NEVER allow yourself to be taken to another location, as crime scene number one is where you are confronted, crime scene number two is where they might take you. If the first crime scene was suitable it would happen there, thus the second scene will be isolated and worse for you!

Even when grabbed, people always say “there is no point in struggling” there is if you ‘Struggle with a purpose!’

If you feel uncomfortable then act! It is not paranoia but our natural and primal instincts to survive! LISTEN TO THEM!

Thank you for your interest, time and enthusiasm.

Jack Procter.