Great article Bill. Here is is below for anyone who doesn't want to download it from a different website.
The Seven Golden Rules of Conscious Choice Violence Avoidance
When you read the paper, watch the news, and surf the self-protection forums, one would think that violence is rampant, and that no matter where you go or what you do in life, the chances of being confronted with violence are always a clear and present danger. Although violence in all of its forms is a reality in today’s world, it has been my experience, as a serving LEO, that there are certain situations (that are controllable by you through conscious choice) that can lead themselves to increased risk that if one was to avoid, would definitely decrease the overall threat of being confronted with physical violence. Known as, “The Seven Golden Rules of Conscious Choice Violence Avoidance” they include:
1) Don’t drink alcohol to excess, and don’t frequent establishments or events where people will likely drink excessively:
The over consumption of alcohol is the number one contributing factor to physical violence in my opinion. It is because of this fact that one should stay away from “known” establishments or events where people will likely drink excessively which includes; bars, special events, and house parties. If you do frequent these types of locations, to limit the risk, leave early before the liquid courage has had time to take full effect.
2) Don’t use illegal drugs, and don’t frequent establishments, events, or frequent areas where people are likely to be found using illegal drugs:
This is the number two contributing factor to physical violence. Drugs, much like alcohol, squew one perception of reality. Those who partake in illegal drugs, especially those who use Central Nervous System stimulants such as cocaine, crystal meth, Ketamine are more prone to violent outbursts. It is because of this fact that one should stay away from establishments, events, or even areas of town where drug use is commonplace.
3) Don’t get caught up in the “my thingy is bigger than your thingy” argument, especially with those who you do not know:
Many acts of violence that I have investigated had everything to do with “Ego” and “Saving Face” and when combined with alcohol and drugs, things can become even more explosive. Remember, you may be right, but in the end you could be dead right. Wherever possible ignore the challenge and walk away.
4) Don’t get sexually involved, make negative comments, or non-verbally challenge another person’s husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend:
Need I say more on this !!!!!!!!!
5) Don’t relinquish control or faculties when dating:
This is directly related to issues surrounding alcohol and drugs. If you can’t control yourself, then others may.
6) Don’t frequent those areas of town or events that have a history of violence:
Every city has a “Red Zone” where most criminal acts are committed. Avoid these areas wherever possible, or if you have to travel within the red zone, heighten you awareness level. There are also public event that also invite the potential for random acts of violence (usually because of the over consumption of alcohol) be aware that while attending these events, your risks of dealing with violence are also heightened.
7) Don't a*sociate with people who have a penchant for violent or dangerous behavior, have poor self-control, poor judgment, are controlling, deceptive, manipulative, untrustworthy, or participate in illegal activity:
Even if you're staying away from trouble areas and not starting any problems yourself, if you a*sociate with friends and acquaintances (not to mention family members or significant others/spouses) that are violent or untrustworthy, you'll end up in bad situations again and again. Look for things like someone who's always getting angry or upset, who changes friends a lot, can't drink responsibility, can't manage their finances, is arrogant and abrasive, is misogynistic or racist, or has a history of fighting and run-ins with the law. This requires being a good judge of character and having the guts to cut someone out of your life if they exhibit some of the warning signs, even if they otherwise seem like a "nice person." (punisher77 ,Senshido Forum, 2005) It is uncanny how many times I have investigated a fight that was actually initiated by the victim's friend who fit the above noted criteria. These guys are commonly known as nuts magnets.
Many who read this posting will say, “d**n, I might as well be a hermit because you have taken all the fun out of life.” I’m not saying don’t have fun and enjoy life to the fullest, but what I am saying is that life is about choices, and with those choices come both positive and negative consequences. Many of my friends that I hang with outside of policing have never had to deal with violence, why, because they followed the six golden rules. Those that have had to deal with physical violence, or a criminal attack, did so because they did not take heed of the six golden rules, or were preyed upon by the street predator because of no situational awareness, and were thus targeted as a safe mark. The message of this posting:
AVOIDANCE, combined with SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, will go along way in preventing a violent physical altercation in one’s life. See my article “Street 101” for situational awareness information:
www.personalprotectionsystems.ca/The%20Way%20Of%20The%20Street%20Street%20101.doc Darren Laur
www.personalprotectionsystems.ca