Our view is that it is better to prevent an attack than to have to defend yourself physically. When we’re training, you’ll always hear us talking about being switched on, prepared and awake to what is going on around you.

This is because there are often warning signs that someone is going to attack you - and if you know the red flags to watch out for you can take action and prevent the injury, distress and trauma of an assault.

Every attack and attacker is different but if you experience any one or multiple of the warning signs below, act on them.

Never tell yourself you are being overly sensitive or judgemental or paranoid. Take swift evasive action and keep yourself safe.

Check out our 11 warning signs of an attack to be forewarned and forearmed.

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Pre-attack Indicators

1) Gut Instinct

This is your most important weapon, it is your internal alarm. Don’t underestimate the power of your sixth sense, whether it is a nervous butterfly feeling in your stomach, your skin prickling or a nervy uncomfortable feeling that you are being watched, trust your gut.

Our split-second judgements are correct most of the time, so don’t worry about ‘judging’ someone in this situation - listening to your subconscious is your best defence system.

The subconscious part of your brain is excellent at identifying threats. It is noticing minute detail and if something tiny and seemingly insignificant is out of place, it will recognise that and alert you through physical sensation in your body.

Tip: get used to listening to your gut instinct in everyday life - what does yours feel like? Where do you notice it in your body? The more you listen to your sixth sense and follow it, the more finely tuned you become with it.

2) Body Language

Noticing the body language of people around you is really important, and this works closely alongside gut instinct. If you spot body language that feels out of place, weird or just wrong, then pay very close attention.

It is actually very hard for people to hide their true intention through body language.

Here are some warning signs to look out for with body language:

Fidgeting and edgy movements. Moving around a lot is a sign of nervous energy - this is a red flag that the attacker might be experiencing the adrenaline and nerves before striking
If they are close to you and interacting with you, look out for gesturing and posturing, that can signal the intent to make a move
The clenching of a fist, a tight jaw and a furrowed brow are all signs of a possible attack.

3) Concealed hand(S)

Can you see their hands? Are their hands fully open? If you can’t see both hands and all fingers then you need to think about what they might be concealing.

If their hand is in a pocket, behind their back or hidden behind anything at all, it could potentially be holding a knife, gun, acid or some other weapon.

4) Clearing hands

Another one to watch out for is someone clearing their hands. Perhaps they are zipping their phone in their pocket, pulling their trousers up or even dropping a bag or item onto the floor. This clearing of the hands is a signal that they are preparing to use them to attack or fight.

5) Abnormal eye movement

Eyes are a giveaway but if you can see their eyes then they are already too close for comfort.

An attacker will often scan their victim as they are assessing them and deciding if they are an easy target.

If they want to mug you then they may be furtively glancing at the item they want to steal - perhaps your bag, an expensive watch or your phone.

Alternatively, they could be staring intently at you in a predatory or aggressive manner.

Immediately before striking, they may also look around them to check that the area is clear for them to make their move.

6) Asking you a question

A tactic that attackers may use is making contact with you by asking you a question or having an interaction with you. This could be asking for the time, directions or giving a story about losing something etc.

This tactic is them ‘interviewing’ you to decide if you fit their profile, if you are switched on and ultimately to decide if you are an easy target.

It can also be a way of them getting close enough to initiate the attack or to distract you so that someone else can attack you.

7) Disturbed natural flow of movement

There is a natural flow of movement to any environment, if you are drawn to someone or something that does not fit, pay attention.

An abnormality in the natural flow of the world around you will trigger a reaction in you. This could be a gut instinct type of reaction or your focus might directed at one individual (or a group) in a crowd who doesn’t quite fit - there is something unnatural about the way they are behaving.

You might not be able to pinpoint why at the time but your subconscious knows and is there to look after you.

Ask yourself; is that right for where we are? And if not then do something about it.

8) You’ve seen them before

In some instances, the attacker may have been watching or following you and may even have spoken to you. This will mean that the person is vaguely familiar to you, which can be unnerving.

Being aware of the methods that attackers use to profile, find and ‘interview’ you are helpful so that you can be prepared.

You’ll need to use your gut instinct and analysis of the environment you are in to decide - does this feel right?

9) Language

If they are raising their voice, swearing, shouting or being aggressive then that is a pretty clear red flag that something is wrong.

10) The environment you are in

You can very quickly go from the ‘nice end of town’ into somewhere quite dangerous where drugs and gang culture are prevalent, especially in a city or unfamiliar location.

Be aware of the environment you are in but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security because you are in a ‘good area’ either. Crime can occur anywhere.

11) Breaking down barriers

This relates to red flags for sexual assault and rape and will often be from someone already known to you. Remember, the majority of sexual assaults are from somebody you know.

Warning signs to look out for here are gradual advances. These might start out small, such as a touch on the arm and prolonged eye contact. The assailant here is trying to break down barriers with you and gradually escalate their behaviour.

If someone is making inappropriate comments, touching you or looking at you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, this is not acceptable. Talk to someone you trust and have a plan of action for if it continues. Ensure that you are never alone in a situation with someone who makes you feel uneasy.

What to do if you notice pre-attack warning signs

Firstly, by noticing the red flags you already have an edge because you are switched on. You have removed their advantage of surprise. Many people are so involved in their phone or day-to-day life that they are oblivious to what is going on around them.

Just them knowing that you are ‘onto them’ could be enough to avert the attack.

Remember, they’re looking for an easy target.

However, if they are intent on you as their victim and you feel uncomfortable or threatened, here’s what to do:

Trust your gut instinct from the outset
As soon as you notice red flags take appropriate action - don’t wait
Act confident and assertive
Make brief eye contact with them, signalling that you know they have intent and you are strong, you are not a victim and you will not be easy to attack
Never let them get close to you. This may mean crossing the road, turning around, running away, asking for help, flagging down a car - do whatever it takes to stay away from them
If they get close to you after you have tried to get away or if you are blocked in and feel threated then you may need to take pre-emptive physical action to defend yourself. If this is the case then act fast, hard and then run to make your escape.

We hope that by listening to your instinct and looking out for these warning signs you will never have to use physical force to defend yourself.

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT BEING ATTACKED?

If you are worried about being attacked and would like to learn how to defend yourself, check out our online courses.

Starting from just £24, you can learn from the experts and watch our demonstration videos in the comfort of your own home.

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Need some help?

If you want to increase your knowledge of both the psychological and the physical sides of self defence, please get in touch to discuss our self defence training and how we can help.

LOOKING FOR SELF DEFENCE CLASSES?

You can learn more about attack warning signs, different types of attacks and attackers - plus, the physical techniques required to defend yourself with our personal safety, violence prevention and self defence training. Here’s how:

Try one of our online classes such as Self Defence for Women or Self Defence for Men for a quick, convenient and affordable solution
Ask your employer to host a self defence workshop
Ask your gym to provide a self defence class
Ask your school, college or university to offer self defence training
If you are part of a community group, put the suggestion forward
Get together with up to 6 friends and book a private self defence session.

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