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Step 1
Preparation includes self-defense training, staying in shape and knowing the neighborhoods you visit. The majority of factors that will predict your chances of surviving a mugging fall into this category. Criminals often report to psychologists that they do not choose their victims--their victims choose themselves. If you are prepared, informed and confident, you are unlikely to become a target for a mugger.
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Step 2
Awareness deals with how well you observe your surroundings. When walking from your car to a building, pay attention to places an attacker might hide, then double-check them on your way back out. Watch the body language of everybody you see and pay attention to what they are doing. According to safety expert Gavin deBecker, our intuition is a built-in alarm that keys us to subconscious indicators that somebody intends us harm. If you have a bad feeling about a situation, listen to that feeling even if it feels foolish or embarrassing.
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Step 3
Skills are the things you know how to do that don't involve physical combat. If you see a suspicious person between you and your destination, go back the way you came. If you think you're being followed, take a detour into the next open store. Use compliant words as you reach for your wallet or purse, then throw it to the ground near the mugger but away from you. Even as it's falling, turn and run away. Given the choice between chasing you and scooping up your credit cards and cash, most muggers will take the money.
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Step 4
Survival is the last and least-recommended step. When all else fails, you may need to use physical self-defense techniques to escape. Enroll in a self-defense course through your local police department or parks and recreation department. And keep these things in mind:
1. Hit as hard and as often as you can; resist vigorously until you are free.
2. Use your feet, knees, elbows and palms. Punching can result in a broken hand.
3. Target the nose, the feet, the shins and the neck. Muggers know to protect their eyes and groin.
4. Run away as soon as you have a chance.
