One of the most common responses people in Law Enforcement hear after an assault is, “…I never thought it would happen to me.” Self-defense instructors will share that one of the greatest hurdles they have to overcome with many new students is the mindset that, “…I’ll never have to use these defensive techniques.” Unfortunately the truth is, never…happens all the time.
It has been said that there are two types of people in the world, those that have witnessed or been victims of some type of criminal activity... and those that have yet too. We are not suggesting that you are preordained to be on the receiving end of some violent act. However, we are saying that it makes sense to take prudent steps to enhance your personal safety.
Fire Extinguishers, Seat Belts and Life Jackets…
When was the last time you had to use a fire extinguisher in your home (if ever)? Do you wear your seat belt when riding in a car? Do you wear it because you think you are going to be in an accident during that particular trip or because it just makes sense to take that precaution? When on the water in a boat, do you make sure there are flotation devices available…just in case?
The chances of ever having to use a fire extinguisher or a life jacket in an emergency situation are very slim indeed. Unfortunately, most of us know someone who has been in a car accident at some point in their life. Hence, wearing your seat belt seems like a prudent safety precaution to take. If that is the case, ask yourself the following question. Do you know anyone who has ever been the victim of a crime?
According to a national Gallup Poll 53% of Americans worry a “great deal” about becoming the victim of a crime. Women worry about crime 56% of the time. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Report indicates that violent crime in most urban centers across the country is up and Americans are sensing that trend. When you consider that most police response times have actually increased due to a plethora of reasons…the bottom line is you are more responsible for your personal safety than you may imagine.
