Attracting An Assault?!


 


I thought I'd share something interesting about how criminals, predator's, thugs and bullies profile their victims. 


Remember I told you the other day, that I was listening to one of Jocko Willink's podcasts? 

He was talking about this subject and refenced some research old and newer. 


~The 1982 study Attracting Assault: Victims' Nonverbal Cues by Grayson / Stein
~Marked by Mayhem - Psychology Today by Hustmyre & Dixit, 1/1/09


Well, I revisited that research and something interesting stuck out like a fart in study hall.

Something we talk about all the time at the academy and when I teach seminars and workshops. 

Organization.

As in being in Kamae.

What?!

You know being wholistically organized.

Here's what Grayson and Stein had to say (paraphrased):

The prime difference between perceived victim and non-victim groups revolves around "wholeness" or consistency of movement. Non-victims have an organized quality about their movements. They function comfortably within context of their own bodies. 

In contrast, victims movements seemed to communicate inconsistency and dissonance. 

Huh, you don't say... Interesting.


Psychology Today


Hustmyre & Dixit's Psychology Today article goes on to site convenience plays a large role in being targeted. Part of this convenience deals largely with perceived vulnerability and the target being distracted. 

Some people think talking on a cell phone enhances their safety because the other person can always summon help if there's trouble—but experts disagree (including yours truly!). 

Talking on a phone or listening to an iPod is a distraction. Not paying attention, looking like a tourist—having the map out, looking confused—absolutely makes people more vulnerable,

As you may guess Awareness also plays a huge factor in their process:

Women who are the victims of rape tend to be less able than average to interpret nonverbal facial cues—which may render them oblivious to the warning signs of hostile intent and more likely to enter or stay in dangerous situations.

Researchers also found that rapists tend to be more able than average to interpret facial cues, such as a downward gaze or a fearful expression. It's possible this skill makes rapists especially able to spot passive, submissive women. One study even showed that rapists are more empathetic toward women than other criminals—although they have a distinct empathy gap when it comes to their own victims. A highly attuned rapist and a woman who's oblivious to hostile body language make a dangerous combination.

...And 

I could go into greater detail about what the research said, but I won't. However, I highly recommend that you read the articles yourself. There are a lot of good specific details in there. 

Here are links:

Attracting Assault: Victims' Nonverbal Cues pdf:

Marked For Mayhem: 


The gist of this reflects my typical advice - Level 1 PeaceWalker material:

Be a tough target:

~ Look confident
~ Don't look distracted
~ Pay attention to your surroundings
~ Don't hangout in areas that are conducive for crimes 


Ok, That's It!?

Yep...

If you haven't checked out my podcast in a while here's the link:

Have a good one...


Keep going,
~Craig

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