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Robbery Prevention And Defense By Ira A. Lipman: Robbery, unlike other crimes, represents a threat to both your person and your property. Robbery is the taking of another's property by force or threat of violence. It is a crime in which there is always a confrontation between the victim and offender. Muggers (street robbers) generally try to frighten or intimidate their victims in order to gain physical and psychological control over them.

Self-Defense Against a Grab A simple and effective defense that even a beginner can use against an attacker attempting a grab.

Free Download: 7 steps to Personal Safety from Lubrinco  NEW  Excellent! A 244 page book that's well worth paying for, but the revised version is free as a download.

Streetwise Self Defense: An old BBS textfile with some tactics and situations.

TIPS FOR AIR TRAVEL SECURITY Specialists claim that flying tourist class is more safe than business class (though less comfortable, of course). Terrorists, as a rule, seize the first class area located near the cockpit and use it as a command post. Hence tourist class seats offer more protection since they are farther from the center of hostile action. Besides, the first class passengers are usually rich and well-known people, which are of great interest for terrorists. Therefore, during air travel try to mix with other passengers and, as much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior that may distinguish you from them.

HOW TO DETECT SURVEILLANCE AND SHADOWING. PART I. Prior to a serious crime, criminals (if only they are not laymen) always gather data which should ensure successful realization of the criminal plan. Routes, work schedule, way of life, daily routine, environment, habits, appearance and distinctive marks of the target are specified. Whenever possible photo or video shooting is carried out. Information about the target's security guards, their professional and personal qualities, tactics, equipment and armament is also obtained.

HOW TO DETECT SURVEILLANCE AND SHADOWING. PART II. COUNTERSURVEILLANCE. For effective and covert detection of shadowing countersurveillance technique is often used. Countersurveillance is observation of "tails", shadowing the target, by onlookers, placed at temporary points along the route. The fact is that detectives, shadowing the subject, will most likely look quite natural in the eyes of the subject. But for detached onlookers their activity may be rather inadequate. For example, their attempts to disappear from the eyes of the subject when he turns back can be imperceptible for the subject, but near-by people, who know whereat to focus their attention, will spot them. Therefore countersurveillance enables to reveal the fact of shadowing, determine its performers, and possibly, the sponsor. The data obtained as a result of countersurveillance will help to determine the place and time of the planned assault.

HOW TO ELUDE SHADOWING After shadowing is detected, you should determine what actions to undertake. Do not panic and try to hide – it may be a preventive measure on the part of somebody (your wife, for example). But on the other hand, the danger should not be underestimated - in most planned kidnappings, muggings or assassinations the victims are under surveillance for a period of time prior to the confrontation attacks. In this case shadowing is a signal that something bad is planned against you.

HOW TO SPOT A SUICIDE BOMBER The basic weapon of a suicide terrorist (martyr or "mujahidin") is an explosive device. The bomb or the so called martyr's belt is a curved explosive plate with little bags filled with steel balls, nails and nuts which are fixed on it for splinter effect. The bomb is strapped to a chest with a wide belt. The explosive is set off with an electric detonator or a radio-controlled fuse. Explosive devices can be also transferred in suitcases, packages, backpacks, perambulators, etc.

HOW TO DETECT A CONCEALED WEAPON While realizing their plans, criminals carry out actions which can be spotted by an attentive observer. By a number of signs one can detect those, who try to conceal weapons.

HOW TO INTERPRIT BODY LANGUAGE AND FACIAL EXPRESSIONS In terms of personal safety, skill and ability to confront an armed abuser is far from being the most important thing. It is much more important to notice sings of imminent threat as early as possible, in order to have enough time to avoid it, or at least prepare to repel the attack. A person, as a rule, does not control his/her posture, gestures, facial expression, and they frequently give out his/her latent aspirations. Understanding body language is a skill that can enhance your life. The skill is useful not only at the moment of confrontation with potential abuser, but also in dealing with people - clients, colleagues, loved ones, etc.

HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE IN A MASS CROWD For a correct assessment of possible threat you should keep in mind that a crowd can be dangerous and not dangerous (harmless). A harmless crowd may consist of bystanders or passers-by, people in recreational areas, tourist groups,  etc. Crowds of the first type are formed at rallies, demonstrations and other political events, as well as music concerts, football matches, etc In very crowded places, the crowd itself is dangerous. Avoid the dangerous crowd. Do not bump into the frenzied group of mob if you take to streets. Better you cross the road to the sidewalk across. Or, simply stay at a safe distance.

HOW TO RESOLVE A CONFLICT: CONFLICTING PARTIES In everyday life, a danger of negative influence on the part of people with motives, desires, goals and values opposite to yours or with mental pathology, is always present. Therefore conflicts are normal. Knowledge of the origin of the conflict, ability to anticipate an incident and to handle sensitive situations at the initial stage of their development contributes substantially to personal security. An experienced bodyguard, for example, devotes 90% of his time to prevent his client from being drawn in a situation that could lead to confrontation.

HOW TO RESOLVE A CONFLICT: TOOLS AND TIPS Each conflict has unique character, and it is impossible to foresee the best way out of it. But if you follow recommendations of psychologists it will considerably facilitate the task.

A Worst Case Scenario - Knife Attack from Behind In this column Dr. Weiss addresses a situation which we hope we never will find ourselves in. The point is that with some self-defense training, you can increase your chances of surviving even the most drastic of situations. Future articles will deal with more common situations you may encounter. (AW)

Your Child's Safety Part I and Your Child's Safety Part II  from Contact Combat Systems. Children's safety is probably an area most of us would consider to be very important. The question is how do we train are children to react under adverse circumstances. Here are four practical games that you can play with your child, in order to clarify just exactly what all the words of caution you've taught them are about. The games are called hide and seek, hit the target, say no (like they need this), and you can't take me away.

Why Is Everybody Always Picking On Me? Short Circuiting the Victim Selection Process

Awareness and Prevention Self-defense starts before you encounter a situation, by being aware of your environment, attacker rituals, and your intuition.

The Nuts & Bolts of Awareness Learning to Detect Trouble

Be a Hard Target Be a "hard target" by acting in a way so that a criminal passes on you for an easier target.

The Seven Components of Self Defense Building Blocks of an Effective Personal Safety Strategy

Prevention Tips Understanding the Fundamentals of Prevention

I Think I'll Go Out And Get Mugged Today! Human Predisposition For Complacency

Rape The rapist is entirely to blame for his actions. He is out of control. He is like a runaway train rushing down the tracks and about to crush whoever is before him. Having said all of that -- get off the tracks!

Defense Against an Unusual Weapon An actual defense against an assailant wielding a sharpened fork.

Posture and Attack Prevention Proper body language and voice can be an effective self defense strategy.

Body Usage in Self Defense Body usage, or how you hold and maneuver your body, contributes to your ability to perform a specific skill such as a kick, parry, etc., but often we forget how fundamental our body usage is to the effectiveness of the technique.

Child Safety Helpful tips on child safety in the home and a discussion of child molestation and its prevention.

Self Defense Against a Crowbar Attack A successful defense against an unprovoked crowbar attack taken from a real life situation

Stalking and Domestic Violence Stalkers and domestic violence abusers rely on two main components. First isolating and confusing people with their earlier behavior. Second, people not being willing to go as far as they will. They will twist and turn the insides of your mind until you don't know which way is up and when you try to reassert yourself in order to get your life back, or displease them in any way, they will punish you...

HOW TO STOP AN ATTACKER STARTING ON YOU Are you like a weak animal just waiting to be preyed upon? Is there a "Hurt Me" sign on your back that's clearly visible to a skilled and violent attacker? Are you dead easy prey for an attacker? You are about to learn some very simple tricks and techniques that can stop an - unknown to you – attacker, before he starts his assault on you.

Duncan Long’s Survival Fighting article. If you are intent on shooting people who approach your retreat, then I suppose this text is as good as the next. Personally, I wouldn’t advise it and prefer to leave the shooting to the experts. But here it is, for what it’s worth.

Self-Defense While Walking Pedestrians are most vulnerable to crime and violence. Learn what you can do while walking to reduce your chances of being a victim of violence.

Street Gangs: The New Urban Insurgency [PDF] by Dr. Max G. Manwaring: In describing the gang phenomenon as a simple mutation of a violent act we label as insurgency, we mischaracterize the activities of nonstate organizations that are attempting to take control of the state. We traditionally think of insurgency as primarily a military activity, and we think of gangs as a simple law-enforcement problem. Yet, insurgents and third generation gangs are engaged in a highly complex political act—political war. Under these conditions, police and military forces would provide personal and collective security and stability, while they and other governmental institutions combat the root causes of instability and political war—injustice, repression, inequity, and corruption.

What Would You Do If It Happened To You? Thinking About Thinking And Self-Defense

FightingArts Forums: Self defense situations A martial arts forum covering this topic.

7 Components of Self Defense: 5. Self-Defense Response Options This is a series of fairly well written articles that may be of interest.

e-How Tip sheets. Not overly detailed on most topics, but profligate:

Streetproofing Children Resources   for parents & teachers  for ages 7-10 (cards, coloring, projects)

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