Certain places are inherently more dangerous than others. It's an unfortunate reality. Fortunately, most of us are aware enough to avoid areas where the risk of being assaulted or having our belongings stolen is elevated.
“You will be attacked when conditions most favor your attacker and least favor you.” —Kelly McCann
For example, there's an alleyway about a block from my cozy suburban home. My wife works just across the street from this alley. At the opposite end of the alley from her workplace is a parking lot where a rape, a near sexual assault, a physical assault, and numerous verbal altercations have occurred. This area is notorious for potential trouble, especially considering the presence of a basement pub nearby. Drunk people often contribute to the chaos.
Situational Awareness Series
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The Power of Proxemics: Enhancing Violence Prevention and Self-Defense through Situational Awareness
How To Prevent Misconceptions And Common Biases In Assessing Behavior Analysis In Threat Detection
Naturally, I avoid that alley and parking lot. Being familiar with the area, I know about its past incidents and the potential danger it presents. However, we don't spend all our time in our hometowns, and it’s crucial to develop a strong understanding of where to go and where to avoid when traveling beyond familiar territory. The same types of dangerous places exist in other cities and towns, so we can apply a set of rules across all locations we visit.
The following advice may seem obvious, but simple reminders can be lifesavers in the worst of circumstances. The primary concern is to maintain a high level of awareness that will enable you to spot trouble before it finds you. Beyond that, absorbing the information below can better prepare you for navigating unfamiliar and potentially dangerous areas.
Understanding Transitional Spaces
A transitional space (or danger zone, or high-crime area) is anywhere a criminal can surprise a potential victim, carry out a crime, and rapidly escape. These spaces often involve naturally distracted or hemmed-in victims. Given that crimes in such areas are typically asocial (meaning criminals prefer few to no witnesses), transitional spaces provide cover for the threat to emerge and disappear. Examples of transitional spaces include:
Alleyways
Sidewalks
Parking lots
Parking garages
Traffic Lights
Stop Signs
ATMs, especially walk-up ATMs
Entryways/exits
Elevators
Stairwells
Hallways
Public restrooms
Blind spots at the rear of buildings
24-hour convenience stores
Gas stations
Any remote and/or dark location
Avoiding Transitional Spaces
While it's ideal to avoid these places whenever possible, sometimes life necessitates entering transitional spaces. When this happens, it’s crucial to maintain a heightened sense of preparedness and awareness.
Managing Transitional Spaces
Parking Lots: Navigating parking lots or garages alone is sometimes unavoidable. Here are some tips for staying safe:
Park under a light if you know you’ll be returning in the dark. Criminals hate being illuminated.
Walk 6-8 feet from the rear bumpers of parked cars to increase your line of sight between vehicles.
Carry a small pocket flashlight for illumination and as an improvised weapon.
Do not check your phone messages while walking. Keep your head up and eyes and ears alert.
Use your key fob only when within visual range of your car.
Once in your car, lock the doors, start the car, and go.
When unloading groceries/packages, alternate between moving bags and looking around.
ATMs: ATMs are tricky defensive spots. Users distracted by screens, wallets, and cash are easy targets. To stay safe:
Avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night.
If you must use an ATM, bring a friend to act as a lookout.
Keep your head on a swivel the entire time you are at the ATM.
Check for parked cars nearby with people in them
Look for people loitering nearby.
Stairwells & Elevators: Stairwells and elevators present unique challenges:
In buildings, I prefer elevators, but in parking decks and dormitories, it can be a toss-up.
If on an elevator with a stranger, lean against the side wall so anyone who joins is in plain view. If someone gives off bad vibes, hit a button and exit the car.
In stairwells, keep your eyes up and look to the next landing before leaving the one you’re on.
Public Restrooms: Multi-stall restrooms with open traffic flow are particularly concerning:
Make a mental note of the people in a restroom when you enter.
Use locking stalls exclusively to reduce the chance of being surprised.
Before exiting the stall, look under the door to see if anyone is lingering close to the entrance.
Convenience Stores: 24-hour stores, convenience stores, and liquor stores are target-rich environments:
When entering a store, know what you want, pick it up, pay, and go.
Be on higher alert for the duration of your visit.
Gas Stations: Pumping gas leaves us vulnerable to robbery:
Before getting out of the car, note anyone near the pump you’ll be using.
Do not leave your keys in the car; lock the doors and keep your keys in your pocket.
Avoid watching the pump screen. Look around while pumping to check for potential threats.
Other Areas:
Blind rear of a building: Avoid if possible, especially at night.
Alleys: Skip them if unfamiliar with the area.
Dark areas: Job #1 is to get out quickly if you find yourself alone in a dark area.
While the dangers of the outside world may make it seem like we should stay home, this isn't necessary. With the proper mindset—careful attention to your surroundings and readiness to act if things go wrong—you can mitigate danger. Live your life, but live it in condition yellow, always aware and prepared.
Self Defense Resources
The Center for Violence Prevention and Self-Defense Training (CVPSD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing evidence-based training in martial arts and self-defense. With a focus on unbiased program development, CVPSD offers customized programs to individuals and organizations, equipping them with the tools to enhance personal safety and contribute to violence prevention in their communities. The Center reaches individuals and communities through partnerships with schools and other nonprofits, community groups, as well as classes for the public.