Suggested Reading
BOOK: "Surviving Aggressive People: Practical Violence
Prevention Skills for the Workplace and the Street" by Shawn Smith. Rating
*****
Much like the examples we use in many of our seminars Shawn uses examples that anyone can relate to. Walking away and not responding to violence triggers are just some of the tools covered in this book.
ARTICLE: "Pssst... Got Some Spare Change" by
Dennis Golden
To those of you who live in big cities, the prospect of being approached by a street person or panhandler is not an unknown event. In fact, you may even consider it a fact of life depending on where you live or work. But did you know that one of the most successful techniques for muggers and pickpockets is to get close to you with one request and then turn the table once they get inside your "magic circle"
The best approach is not to be approached at all. You can do this easily if you are aware of your surroundings. In much the same way as you should drive defensively by looking a few cars ahead of you while on the highway, you should use the same technique while walking along the street.
Keep your eyes focused ahead of you and, at the same time, occasionally glance back over your shoulder to look at what may be coming up behind you. A tap on the shoulder may just get your attention but it could be setting you up for an unexpected follow-up.
Let's assume your radar did not pick up any incoming warnings and you now find yourself face to face with a "new best friend" asking for change. You have several options. Hand him a quarter or a buck and keep walking. Your other option is simply don't respond, avoid eye contact and move on. Typically, this response will have you on your way and your "new best friend" talking to the next passerby.
If for some reason your "new best friend" does not break off contact, your next option is to take the first step in the Defense Pyramid and simply say NO. While you may want to add some additional colorful language, we suggest that you skip that option. He or she will see at that point you are not intimidated and will move on.
Typically your "new best friend" is not looking for a fight. However, if you are grabbed or if hands suddenly reach out and touch you, resist the initial urge to strike back. Simply try to slip away or break the hold and put space between you and your friend as quickly as possible. At this stage, avoid the urge to use any type of weapon such as pepper spray or some type of impact weapon like your briefcase or cane. Applying force here can result in your getting a free ride in a police car or appearing in court.
Above all, your verbal response should be forceful but not designed as an invitation to a fight. We also suggest that you avoid giving career advice as this may only serve to escalate events to a new level.
If you are approached by two or more "friends" and the request is "give me your money" you have just moved from being panhandled to being robbed and that is the subject of another article.
