I refuse to be a victim! That should be the motto for every person in our country today. We cannot open a newspaper or watch a news broadcast without seeing or reading about someone being victimized. It’s time we all took a stand and refused to be a victim!  

I served in law enforcement for over twenty-five years and have taught self-defense and personal safety for approximately thirty-five years. Throughout this time, one thing has consistently remained true: police officers must train to survive, or they might not survive to train.  

Police are aware of this, and I truly believe that a similar mindset needs to be fostered in our communities among those who are the primary, if not the only, targets of today’s predators – you! That’s right, you could be the next target. Do you know why? Are you aware of who the threat is or where they come from? Do you know when that predator might strike?  

It’s difficult to provide firm answers to these questions, but with proper training and the right mindset, you can be ready if it happens to you. I know what you’re thinking: “I live in a safe neighborhood,” or “That can’t happen to me,” but it can. Those who recognize this reality can prepare for it. Those who bury their heads in the sand may become victims of it. You don’t need to become paranoid; just stay aware.

Believe it or not, individuals who want to hurt others often choose their victims for a reason. Predators look for specific traits in a person that lead them to select that individual over others. I admit that sometimes it may just be a target of opportunity, but typically, there’s more to it.  

Even if the selection is based on mere opportunity, don’t you think you should be prepared to deal with it when it happens? That’s right. I changed it to when, not if. By thinking this way, you will help your brain grasp the possibility that the threat exists, allowing you to take full ownership of the mental preparation needed to respond appropriately. Here are a few things to consider in your efforts not to be a victim:

First, recognize that it can happen and consider what you will do when it does. Awareness is the key to unlocking the success locker. Knowing and understanding what these predators seek in their victims can help you avoid becoming one of them. For instance, diverting your gaze when being watched can indicate that you are insecure and make you a potential target.

Understanding the locations and environments attackers prefer enables you to avoid them entirely. Don’t assume that it only happens at night in poorly lit areas. Places that keep you distant from others can also be dangerous, like parking far away at a mall to get your exercise while shopping. Knowledge is power. Recognizing your own limits without understanding the predator won’t help you succeed. You need to know both yourself and your enemy if you genuinely want to win.

Next, you must be willing to prepare both physically and mentally for the encounter. This doesn’t mean you have to spend endless hours training at the gym or in martial arts classes. You need to understand the tools you have for defending against an attack and how to use them—like your knees, elbows, and more.

It also includes your ability to use everyday items in your possession, such as coffee mugs, plates, or even car keys, to fend off an attack and win! Yes, you will need to dedicate some time to physically practice these techniques. They do not have to be elaborate or even pretty, but they must be effective. Most, if not all, reputable sources will tell you that there is a significant difference between fighting in a controlled environment and protecting yourself on the street. Make sure the techniques you learn are simple and effective in the real world.  

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is your mental preparation for an encounter. The mental aspect involves understanding and accepting what will happen to the person who attacks you, not to mention what can and likely will happen to you if you do not prepare for the attack.  

In simple terms, consider and prepare for it now, and your brain will create potential responses to a given threat. If you wait to figure it out “IF” it occurs, your brain will be overwhelmed by the threat stimulus, making it difficult for you to respond correctly. This can even lead to you freezing up and not responding at all.

These are just a few things to consider regarding your personal safety. Consult a safety or protection expert or seek training from a reputable source. Remember to be aware of your surroundings and the body language of those around you. Pay attention to how you carry yourself and what you project. Be prepared to respond to a threat before you face it, and be committed to overcoming whatever threat is presented and winning.  

You have the power to make a difference for yourself and your family. The choice is yours: you can let yourself be dominated by the scourge of our society or you can take a stand and declare to those predators that you REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM!