You are here: ilikemusic.com > life > Avoiding violence

related links

1. Alternatives to violence
2. Dealing with violent crime

Avoiding violence

Don't have nightmares, as they say on Crimewatch, but violence can crash into your life at any time. The odds are against it happening, of course, but some situations can leave you more vulnerable to a pasting than others.

Pubs, bars and clubs

Alcohol is known to mess with your judgement. In short, people are less likely to hold back when they've been boozing. This can mean trouble, whether you're the one gearing up for a fight or you're about to become a victim.

Cold fact: In the UK each year, 40% of violent crime is linked to drunkenness, including 76,000 facial injuries... with the majority taking place in or around a licensed premises.

Street safety

From Brooklyn to Basingstoke, the smart move is to stay aware of your surroundings and be ready to react should the worst happen. There's no need to be afraid, or feel paranoid. It's simply a case of remaining alert to your surroundings and the people in it. Whether you're crawling home from the pub after dark, or sauntering to the cafi for a Sunday breakfast, look up and around - not down at your feet.

Cold fact: A police initiative to reduce street crime has seen a 12% drop in robbery between 2003/04 and 2004/05.

Hotspot: Unlit streets. Stick to a route with streetlamps

Protect yourself

• Big up your body language: If you look like you're expecting a shakedown at any moment, you'll attract attention for all the wrong reasons. People who appear confident are less likely to invite a violent confrontation, basically because they look as if they can handle themselves. It's simply a question of walking tall, keeping your head up, and not flinching away when someone approaches to ask the time. Just be sure not to go too far, and swagger like you'll take on all contenders. It'll only end in (your) tears.
• Keep cool: Don't freak out if you find yourself in a dodgy confrontation, or enter into an argument at the bar if pressed about whether Britney could beat X-Tina in a mud wrestling contest. The aim is not to let the emotional temperature rise, because it'll also increase the risk of an escalation into violence.
• Avoid attention: So there you are, strutting down the street looking very bling indeed. You have the jewellery on show, your state of the art phone pressed to your ear, and a sign over your head that's visible to everyone but you. One that shouts; Rough me up, everything must go! Street muggings don't always involve violence, of course, but you're more likely to get hurt by someone who's after your money rather than directions to the local library. Ultimately, the less conspicuous your valuables, the more likely you'll be to get from A to B in one piece. If you must carry stuff like cash, phones and credit cards, don't make a big deal of it.
• Stick with your friends: Whether you're walking home late at night, or hanging out outside a club, security comes with numbers. Unless, of course, the group you're with are gunning for a fight.
• Avoid eye contact: If you've sensed someone scooping you out, don't rise to the occasion by staring back at them. Instead, keep your head up, because the body language of confidence speaks volumes.
• Steer round big groups: You don't want to cleave a path through a bunch of beer boys on the street, or force them to stop or step aside. You're not royalty, just an average Joe who wants to get on in life without blood being spilled. If possible, cross the road before they've even noticed you.
• Go with your instinct: If you don't feel comfortable, whatever the situation, take steps to protect yourself. Even if it means taking the long route home, at least you'll make it in one piece!

"Your guide to the real world"

Bookmark & Share: