In Dallas, TX last year:
Shortly after 7 p.m., a woman was returning her shopping cart after loading her car at the Whole Foods on Preston Road near Forest Lane when a man approached.
After asking whether she needed help, he grabbed her and threw her to the asphalt between two parked cars.
He straddled her and began banging her head against the ground and punching her in the face. He ripped her diamond necklace off.
The woman cried for help, but no one responded.
Look, no one wants to seem paranoid. No one wants to be seen as rude. When you're in a place with no help around and someone approaches you to offer or request assistance, you have to be wary.
Shortly after 7 p.m., a woman was returning her shopping cart after loading her car at the Whole Foods on Preston Road near Forest Lane when a man approached.
After asking whether she needed help, he grabbed her and threw her to the asphalt between two parked cars.
He straddled her and began banging her head against the ground and punching her in the face. He ripped her diamond necklace off.
The woman cried for help, but no one responded.
Look, no one wants to seem paranoid. No one wants to be seen as rude. When you're in a place with no help around and someone approaches you to offer or request assistance, you have to be wary.
Awareness is key. Whether you are a man or a woman, you need to scan the area and take note of what is going on. Imagine if the woman in the story had seen the man approaching from across the parking lot. She would then have at least had the opportunity to take steps to avoid him.
Conversely, if she was aware of her surroundings and this man suddenly appeared, it would be a warning that he might have intentionally hidden his approach.
It is all to easy to play "armchair quarterback" and say she should have used this technique or that. Techniques are important because they allow you to use what strength you have to best advantage. Nevertheless, it is best not to be in the fight at all.
Part of everyone's personal Defense training includes situational and environmental awareness to avoid tragic scenarios like the one described. It also includes the emotional training to avoid freezing when confronted. Keep your eyes open, Keep your distance, and keep a cool head. This way, you greatly reduce the chances that you will find yourself in a spot where you need to use those hard won physical skills.
Conversely, if she was aware of her surroundings and this man suddenly appeared, it would be a warning that he might have intentionally hidden his approach.
It is all to easy to play "armchair quarterback" and say she should have used this technique or that. Techniques are important because they allow you to use what strength you have to best advantage. Nevertheless, it is best not to be in the fight at all.
Part of everyone's personal Defense training includes situational and environmental awareness to avoid tragic scenarios like the one described. It also includes the emotional training to avoid freezing when confronted. Keep your eyes open, Keep your distance, and keep a cool head. This way, you greatly reduce the chances that you will find yourself in a spot where you need to use those hard won physical skills.
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