Outsmarting the Smart

A Victim’s Strategy

Predators use selective honesty and partial truths, play dumb, and get victims to “play with the cards he deals.” However, the reverse is true as well. You can be selectively honest, play dumb, and refuse to play with his cards. Mix truth and lies together.

NOT A VICTIM BUT A SURVIVOR

Usually, before a criminal takes any step, he assesses his environment especially the victim. He at times asks questions likes, “do you have a match, cigarette or a piece of gum, do you know the directions to wherever?” to be on a safe side, just say “NO”. While I am not saying anyone who is nice to you is up to no good, you just need to be cautious; while answering his questions, make momentary eye contact. Never show how scared or vulnerable you might be.

• Keep an air of aloofness. Keep him in your peripheral vision while perhaps sticking your hand ominously into a pocket, waistband, or lapel and leaving it there – as though you have a weapon readied. If he calls your bluff by escalating to robbery anyway, tell him you’ll slowly hand him your money.  Then slowly hand him your money, and instantly flee to safety.

I want you to know this, a criminal’s “conversation” is a test. Tough targets tend not to be selected as a victim. It doesn’t matter if you’re considered rude.

• I once heard someone say, it’s better if you see that you are about to lose it, do not let him come near. Take an aggressive stance, raise a hand in a “Stop!” gesture, and fiercely tell him to “Stop!” If he persists, you’ll have more chance to flee before he gets near.
• Most times, what leads to attacks from an unknown person is misconception on his part. This might lead him to attack you. Someone once told me that to free yourself; you need to treat your “victimizer” with respect. If you treat him with respect, it might be harder for him to personalize and attack you.
  Rather than argue and dictate your wishes to him – ask him what he wants. Not that you’ll necessarily grant his wishes, but you may discover a compromise or solution. Of course, never trust his promises.
• Appeal to his pride. Act like you expect him to behave honorably.
• You’d even be surprised that some of this people are religious, redeem yourself by praying out loud.

I once noticed someone following me on my way to church and the next action that came to mind was, I took my phone and acted like I was speaking to someone while looking round and shouting, “where are you, you can see me, well, I can see you too. You are right behind me” I said this, while keeping a safe distance. “I will meet you now” After saying this, I made sure I was behind him instead of vice versa.

You can do best by fleeing. surrendering, or fighting. YOU CHOOSE