Pre-violence indicators are signals to alert you of possible violence. Most violent episodes have indicators or signals that make the victim feel uncomfortable or uneasy. These indicators are often referred to as your gut instinct.
Pre-violence indicators serve as warnings of a possible attack and may allow you time to plan an escape or prepare for self-defense actions. Learning to recognize, trust and act on these indicators can greatly enhance your protection.
Dangerous attacks can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. This is why you must never let your guard down, regardless of your activity (e.g., whether you are walking, driving, riding a bicycle or eating at a restaurant).
Minimize your chances of becoming a victim by taking the following actions: practicing situational awareness at all times, traveling in groups when possible and being prepared to physically and mentally defend yourself at all times.
Common Pre-Violence Indicators
Blocked Pathway
- Obstacles or people suddenly block your pathway or line of travel for no apparent reason
- Ultimate goal is to reroute you into an ambush situation
Copycat Situation
- When another person mirrors your every move
- You stop then they stop; you speed up then they speed up
- This type of behavior is rarely a coincidence so be aware of it
Sudden Changes
- The person or people around you have sudden changes in their movements
- Two examples are when one or more people suddenly stop their activity to follow you or a group of people try to encircle you from different directions
Unsolicited Conversation
- Be cautious of strangers who approach you to start conversations as many preplanned attacks begin this way
- Strangers may ask simple questions to draw you in, “Do you have the time? Do you need help with that?”
- If strangers become overly persistent or do not take “no” for an answer, get away from them. A Good Samaritan will leave you alone, but someone whose intention is to harm you, may not
Target or Avenue-of-Escape Glancing
- Occurs when a stranger tries to size you up as a possible target
- Especially noticeable when a person glances in your direction several times then quickly looks away
- Be suspicious of this behavior! The person may be finding an avenue of escape, checking to ensure their accomplices are ready and looking to see if the area is clear of police and witnesses
Indirect Path Approach
- When one or more people approach you from behind in your blind spot
- This tactic allows the person(s) to stay hidden from your view longer so they can take you by surprise
Strangers’ Hands are Hidden
- Look at people’s hands as they approach you (e.g. be alert when a person has their hands in their pockets)
- These people may be concealing a weapon
Bumps, Shoves or Pushes from Strangers
- Be cautious as these actions may be a set up to an attack, fight or pickpocket attempt
- Try to remain calm and get away from the situation
Absence of People or Police
- Unpopulated areas have a higher risk for violent attacks, especially when combined with other indicators
- If you notice this, quickly change your path and head towards crowds or police
Unusual Automobile Actions—be cautious of automobiles that
- Stop in front of, along side or behind you for no apparent reason
- Pass you more than once
Drunks and Drug Addicts
- Can be dangerous whether these people are alone or in a group
- Have an altered state of mind and may become violent and attack, rob or hurt you
Verbal Harassment by a Group
- Try to confuse or catch you off guard
- May have one person distract you (e.g., by shouting or loudly causing a scene)
- Have another person (usually a quiet person) attack you when you are not paying attention
Baiting
- Strangers make obvious attempts to get you to do something
- Actions of person or group appear quite suspicious
- Do not take the person’s bait; stay calm, keep moving, be ready to react. If other people are in the area, move toward them and gain their attention
Parroting
- When someone keeps repeating what you say or when strangers answer your question with a question
- Strangers who use this type of behavior are usually trying to target you so be cautious when around them