 |
Threat levels and Womens self-defense:
Five stages in the escalation of physical assault
The following describes a model that attempts to provide a simple gauge for the
severity of a perceived threat. The model consists of five stages, each with the
characteristics that denote each threat
level and with advice on how to respond to the particular severity of threat.
The model assists in developing an increased awareness which in turn can help to
create an unconscious alertness to early warning signs of physical threats that
preceed actual physical assaults against women.
1. You become aware of a threat
Stage One is when you first become aware that someone is watching or looking at
you. If you're outdoors, you may notice someone following you. Being aware of
your surroundings and what's going on at all times is vital for early
recognition of potentially dangerous situations. This point can not be stressed
enough. It is your early warning protection that can stop a dangerous situation
from developing in the first place. STAGE ONE is where you ideally stop a
potential attacker, rapist or killer. You do not need any physical self defence
skills at this stage.
2. An approach is made
Stage Two is where an approach is made toward you. This could be verbal or
physical. In this context, physical means passing by you close enough to touch
you, leaning up against you in a bus or at a bar or otherwise touching you or
invading your personal space, in a way that causes you discomfort. At this point
you need to make it very clear that you are aware of the situation and what's
going on, and that you are capable, able and willing to take necessary action to
prevent anything further developing.
3. You are about to be attacked
Stage Three is where you are being verbally attacked and physical confrontation
is imminent. For instance, you may be having a shouting match, which sometimes
occurs before a physical attack. Having let the situation get to this point, you
now need to take some strong measures to end the situation before it develops
any further. This is when your heart is racing and the adrenalin is pumping
through your veins, ready for fight or flight.
4. The physical assault has begun
Stage Four: The situation has now escalated to a full-on physical attack. You
are shaping up become a victim, likely to be sexually assaulted, beaten
senseless and possibly killed. Your options are very limited, and either choice
you make may turn out to be wrong one. You could be better off simply going
along with a sexual assault and live to see another day. You could be better
off fighting tooth and nail to save your life. At this point you are fighting to
protect your life, so you must (and you will, without being told!) use anything
at your disposal to survive. No more rules or kindness here. It will help your
cause to get as mad, fierce and furious as you possibly can and use anything and
everything you can against your attacker. At this point you'll live or die.
5. You're dead.
Stage Five. It is all too late now. You should have ended the situation at an
earlier stage! You have now been sexually assaulted, beaten up or murdered, in
the worst case all of the above.
What is the purpose of formulating these five stages?
The model of the five stages as described above is arbitrary. Real life doesn't
follow any rules or models and every situation is different. The important
lesson is to be aware of what's going on around you at all times. A potentially
threatening situation can make it nigh impossible to come up with any clear
thought. Having spent some time on the recognition of these stages of escalation
may provide you with the clarity that you need to better judge a situation and
make the right choices under threatening conditions.
Please note that the advocacy of developing a better awareness of your
surroundings is not to be misunderstood as an advice to develope severe
paranoia. It simply means, use your head, apply common sense, read the warning
signals and act on them swiftly and decidedly. If you follow this simple rule,
your chances are very good that you'll never get into trouble.
This free excerpt is a preview of Terry Lyon's upcoming book "Women's Self-Defense: Realistic advice for the new millennium."
Terry Lyon, 4th Dan Karate Master and Women's Self-Defense Instructor
|
|
|
| |
