Personal Safety:

What are they thinking?

Training Session
By:

Edward J. Hamilton

Business Communication PRCM325J

Ohio University

2010

Table of Contents

Overview 3
Behavioral Objectives 4
Outline of Training Session 5
Literature Review: What are they thinking? 7
Bibliography- Literature Review 10
Attachment 1: Study Abroad Handbook: Risk Factors and Strategies to Reduce Risk 12
Attachment 2: Proxemic circle 15
Attachment 3: Multi-Cultural meanings of Paralanguage Gestures 16

Personal Safety:
What are they thinking?

Overview

Criminals are bolder and have less regard for their victims than ever before. Places that once seemed safe are no longer immune from danger. The death spiral of the economy plays a major factor in the increase of crime.

There are two parties involved in the commission of crimes, to both persons and property; those two parties are the potential victim and perpetrator. Within each of those parties at the time of a commission of a crime, they possess an innate sense of non-verbal and verbal communication that engage, takes over and governs each party’s behavior throughout the event. For each respective party in a personal contact situation, that sense comprises of a series of cues which could take the form of voice intonation, body language, strength in numbers, and the surprise of direct violence. In some cases, the exchange can be analogous to a chess game in hyper drive. In other cases, the exchange may not be so swift. In cases of property crime, the two parties may never meet. However, in crimes against a physical person, the quite opposite situation sadly holds true.

Studies by various crime prevention organizations and law enforcement agencies reveal a common thread found in the majority of the crimes committed; the thread of nonverbal communication. According to Vincent Gabriel, “A variety of studies report that 70% to 80% of all communication (in crimes) is non-verbal. Additionally, the FBI reports that a majority of all crimes are committed with no physical contact” (Gabriel, 2010)

Peter Givens, in Crime signals: how to spot a criminal before you become a victim, states the core premise of non-verbal communication as” But while the tongue tells a lie, the body cannot.” (Givens, 2008) In other types of crimes, other non-verbal cues and basic every day actions also play an important part in providing opportunity to criminals. The best advice to protect ones person and property is to recognize potential trouble brewing and take decisive action to alter the dynamic.

This module/session will disseminate non-verbal cues and recommend a strategy of prevention and avoidance, including identifying potentially hazardous persons or situations before becoming involved in an unfortunate negative event. Participants will assess their Personal Safety IQ and apply the concept of non-verbal communication cues in real life situations.

Behavioral Objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define the differences between non-verbal & verbal communication. • Have a working knowledge of the effect of non verbal communication in potentially hazardous situations. • Assess their personal behavior inventory of actions and responses when they are home, at work, online or enjoying public events. • Recognize hazardous non-verbal communication cues and what those messages could communicate. • Have a working knowledge of how to respond to specific non-verbal cues. • Apply the basic concept of nonverbal communication in their daily lives.

Outline of Training Session

I. Introduction: What is non-verbal communication? Any form of communication that is not expressed in words. Nonverbal communication is estimated to make up 65-90% of all communication, and understanding, interpreting, and using it are essential skills. Forms of nonverbal communication include actions and behavior such as silence, failure or slowness to respond to a message, and lateness in arriving for a meeting. Body language is also an important part of nonverbal communication. Nonverbal elements of communication may reinforce or contradict a verbal message.( Bloomsbury Business Library,2007)

II. How does Non-Verbal communication play an important role in crime prevention?

Studies by various crime prevention organizations and law enforcement agencies reveal a common thread found in the majority of the crimes committed; the thread of nonverbal communication. According to Vincent Gabriel, “A variety of studies report that 70% to 80% of all communication (in crimes) is non-verbal. Additionally, the FBI reports that a majority of all crimes are committed with no physical contact” (Gabriel, 2010)

III. Components of Non-Verbal Communication and their roles in the context of Crime Prevention

A. Components of Non-Verbal Communication Cues

1. Kinesics – What is it? • Eye Contact • Body Language

2. Paralanguage – What is it? – Sounds that accent body language • Voice intonation • Emotional Displays

3. Proxemics – What is it? – The art of using space and distance to communicate. • Placing barriers • Effective Use of personal space

B. Uses of Non-Verbal Communication Cues in Crime Prevention

1. Kinesics – A Friend or foe decision • Awareness of your environment • Body Language to/from others

2. Paralanguage – • Attitude • Emotional Displays

3. Proxemics – • The use of barriers in personal and property protection • Effective Use of personal space in personal and property protection

IV. Class Activity – Personal Safety Quiz

V. Examples of identifying Non-Verbal Communication Cues and taking appropriate action.

A. Inbound Cues from criminals 1. In the Home 2. In the Car 3. In Public Places 4. Online B. Outbound Cues to defend yourself 1. In the Home 2. In the Car 3. In Public Places 4. Online

VI. Class Discussion, Summary and Conclusions

Literature Review: What are they thinking?

Some experts are saying the reasons for these acts of violence and other crimes are the dismal state of the economy. When people are frustrated and angry with how the economy directly affects them, they will take desperate measures because they feel as though they have nothing to lose. (National Crime Prevention Council, 2009)

When a fast moving pickup truck with plastic dice swinging from the rearview mirror pulls up behind him on the freeway, Park Dietz immediately heads over into the right lane. When a salesman with monogrammed cuffs, gold tie bar and diamond pinkie ring tries to start up a conversation at a party, he soon makes an excuse and leaves. When people get in line behind him to wait for a ride at Disneyland, he scans their arms and hands for jailhouse tattoos. It's all part of the game Dietz calls "Spot the Psychopath." "It's obvious when you know what to look for," he observes with a sigh. "And it's easy to play because there are so many around." (A. Toufexis, Dancing With Devils | Psychology Today, 1999)

Introduction
Forensic studies of crimes against persons and property show in many cases where the crime could have been prevented by the victim. In crimes against persons, would-be perpetrators emit signals in advance of striking that could have been detected by the victim enabling them to take evasive action. In addition, victims emit signals, such as inebriation, not checking the back seats of cars before entering, displaying vulnerability, and other body language allowing would be criminals to detect opportunity. According to body language expert Patti Wood, “We can absorb as many as 10,000 nonverbal cues in less than a minute, …and can form impressions in as little as one-fortieth of a second with an accuracy rate of up to 80 percent.”. (Wood, MA-CSP, n.d.)

Non-Verbal Communication, according to Dr. John Kello, consisted of primarily three components; Kinesics- body movements, Paralanguage- attitudes or emotions or noises displayed, and Proxemics- the art of using personal space and distance to communicate a message. He believes that “Kinesic cues can stand alone to communicate meaning”. (Kello, 2007) The Justice Department recognizes the importance of Paralanguage in communication when they state” Paralanguage or other vocal cues, such as hesitations, inflections, silences, volume or timbre of voice, and pace of speaking, also provide ample opportunities…” (U.S. Department of Justice, 2000) Environmental designers recognize Proxemics when designing public places because a” Lack of consideration of Proxemics in environmental design leads to discomfort , conflict and even to a high crime rate in extreme cases” (Igarashi, Stade, & Vriens, n.d.)

Most people possess a general working knowledge and broad definitions of non-verbal communication. This review will attempt explore some refinements and components of the “Non-Verbal Communication “concept.

Components of Non Verbal Communication

Researchers in Kinesics assume “that all movements of the body have meaning. None are accidental (Fast 1970:157)” (Center for Non Verbal Studies, n.d.) That statement can be true in all situations; in-the-office, in-the car, in-the home, and even in an open public place, Kinesics can be found.” For example, a man stands inside of a closed glass phone booth. You cannot hear a word he says, but you see his postures, gestures, and facial expressions. You see his kinesics. “--Marjorie F. Vargas (Louder Than Words, p. 67) According to Devito, “The field of kinesics can, for convenience, be divided into three major areas: pre-kinesics, micro-kinesics, and social kinesics. Each of these areas is interrelated and interdependent with each other area.’ (Devito, 1968) Pre-kinesics is defined as the descriptor for body movements. Micro-kinesics is the process of differentiation of the body movements. Finally, Social Kinesics deals with the actual contextual meaning of those body movements. All three components are inter-twined to make one Kinesic message.

According to Binod Mishra, “Paralanguage is a kind of action language that involves tone of voice, hesitation or speed of speech and certain variations other than actual words.” (Mishra, 2009) In the mortal world, paralanguage can take the forms of trembling while speaking, a person’s voice in a high pitch when they are excited, and low tone when they are disappointed. In the context of the online world, those tones and inflections take the forms of emoticons, font styles, and the pattern of typed characters. Those types of paralanguage can convey a volume in just a simple keystroke.

Proxemics was a term coined by Edward T. Hall, the father of Proxemics, in 1963 to define the spatial dimension of interpersonal communications. In today’s terms, it means the use of personal space and distance by its relationship to objects and other humans to communicate. Hall defined the concept as “…invisible zones around us and attributed a range of distance to each one: intimate distance (6 to 18 inches); personal distance (18 inches to 4 feet); social distance (4 to 12 feet); and public distance (about 12 feet or more).”(Rosenbloom, 2006)
These zones can be best described by using an image of a series of concentric circles with the radii of each circle increasing as an inverse relationship to a person’s kinship with others. As the emotional bond to a person increases, the radii of the circles shrink. Body direction of the sender can also play a crucial factor in the interpretation of Proxemics messages.

Other factors that need to be considered in decoding messages are cultural differences, prejudices and any past contact history with the other party. Dr. Wertheim writes” Given some dramatic differences across cultures in approaches to such areas as time, space, and privacy, the opportunities for miscommunication while we are in crosscultural situations are plentiful.”
(Wertheimer, 2008) Prejudices can cloud any thought process and skew the end result that could result in a misinterpretation of a person’s true intentions. Past contact history with a demographic group could also result in unnecessary prejudices and therefore initiate a flawed response.

These components of Non-Verbal Communication can make a simple sound or body movement appear quite complex. In many instances, a person may verbalize one message but their body language sends another message that conflict with the spoken message. The importance of Non-Verbal Communication cannot be overstated in today’s world. The human condition dictates one’s constant interaction with their fellow humans. Misunderstanding non-verbal communication can lead to unintended consequences from hurt feelings to lost employment to personal injury, and in extreme cases, death.

Bibliography- Literature Review

(2007). nonverbal communication. Bloomsbury Business Library - Business & Management Dictionary, 5154. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database

Dancing With Devils | Psychology Today [Interview by A. Toufexis]. (1999, May 01). Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199905/dancing-devils

DeVito, J. (1968). KINESICS Other Codes, Other Channels. Today's Speech, 16(2), 29-32. Retrieved from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.

Givens, D. B. (2008). Crime signals: how to spot a criminal before you become a victim. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press.

Igarashi, M., Stade, M., & Vriens, S. (n.d.). Proxemics in Public Space: Media Technology Projects (Leiden Institute for Advanced Computer Science, Netherlands, Ed.) [Scholarly project]. Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://www.maartenlamers.com/docs/have-a-seat-draft.pdf

Kello, J. (2007). Package & market your message: Nonverbal communication cues are critical. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, 41(2), 16. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.

Mishra, B. (2009). Role of Paralanguage in Effective English Communication. ICFAI Journal of Soft Skills, 3(2), 29-36. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.

National Crime Prevention Council. (2009, April 28). The Economy and Crime [Web log post]. Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://ncpc.typepad.com/prevention_works_blog/2009/04/shootings-caused-by-the-stress-of-the-economy.html

(2006, November 16). New York Times. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/16/fashion/16space.html?pagewanted=2&ei=5088&en=2d57a58460696fe0&ex=1321333200&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss . Wertheimer, E. G. (2008, October 03). The Importance of Effective Communication (Northeastern University , College Of Business Administration, Ed.) [Scholarly project]. Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://windward.hawaii.edu/facstaff/dagrossa-p/ssci193v/articles/EffectiveCommunication.pdf

Wood, MA-CSP, P. (n.d.). 10 Ways to Spot a Good Man: Nonverbal Cues-Dating - Love Agency in China - China Service Mall [Web log interview]. Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://news.at0086.com/Love-Agency-in-China/10-Ways-to-Spot-a-Good-Man-Nonverbal-Cues-Dating.html

Vargas, M. F. (1986). Louder than words: an introduction to nonverbal communication. Ames: Iowa State University Press.

Attachment 1: Study Abroad Handbook: Risk Factors and Strategies to Reduce Risk

(Center for Global Education. (n.d.). Safety Abroad Handbook -- How to Get There... and Back. Student Abroad Handbook -- How to Get There... and Back. Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://www.studentsabroad.com/ireland/riskfactors.html)
In this section, you will find information on how to avoid being a target of crime while abroad in Ireland. There are helpful tips on how non-verbal communication-like gestures or manner of dress-can help keep you safer. You will also learn how to become more aware of your surroundings. Based on anecdotal information, most of the incidents resulting in injury or death of students while participating in study abroad involve: • travel/traffic accidents • use and abuse of drugs or alcohol • sexual harassment and assault • crime/petty theft • mental health issues/stress • diseases and illnesses that exist in Ireland
Resources and information about each of these issues can be found below. You can find additional information in the Basic Health and Safety section of this Handbook. • Precautions When Accepting Food and Drink: Be cautious about accepting drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from a stranger. Be cautious about accepting food from a stranger. • Risk Upon Arrival: Travelers, especially those having just arrived in Ireland, are often targets of crime and at higher risk of harm, because they: 1. Are unfamiliar with their surroundings 2. Might not speak English well 3. Are clearly recognizable as foreigners 4. Have not yet learned the social norms or unwritten rules of conduct 5. Are eager to get to know new people and the local culture 6. Are naive to the intentions of people around them 7. Are carrying all their valuables with them when they first step off the plane, train, or boat • Keeping In Control: In addition to the circumstances involved with being new in a foreign country like Ireland-circumstances which are often beyond one's immediate control-there are many situations that students can control. Some controllable factors that place students at greatest risk include: 1. Being out after midnight 2. Being alone at night in an isolated area 3. Being in a known high crime area 4. Sleeping in an unlocked place 5. Being out after a local curfew 6. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Verbal and Non-verbal Communication: Non-verbal communication (like body language and hand gestures) considered harmless in the U.S. may be offensive to people in Ireland and other countries to which you plan to travel. The list of gestures considered rude in other countries can grow beyond the obvious. For more help communicating in Ireland, please see the Communication Sheets. • Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Keep yourself free from sexually transmitted diseases by using protection (like condoms or abstinence). Also, remember that "no" may not always be interpreted as "no" in Ireland and in other countries. Inform yourself about the types of diseases prevalent in the area in which you are studying and the areas in which you will be traveling. • International Sources of Information: Inform yourself as much as possible about your new environment, making use of as many different sources as possible - online, in the library, on television and radio news programs, and in the paper. Don't limit yourself to U.S. sources. Instead, contrast the U.S. information with that provided by Ireland and other countries. Please see “Media” in the Resources section of this Handbook. • Understanding Locals: Beyond tuning into yourself, make it a point to try to understand what locals are communicating to you, how they feel about you and about U.S. citizens in general, how you are fitting with their values, and how well you understand them. Obviously a stronger grasp of the official language(s) will help you with these things, but even knowing a few essential phrases can be immensely beneficial. Please see the Communication Sheets of this Handbook for Helpful Words and Phrases you should know. • How to Dress: It is often best to dress conservatively - by local standards, so you can't be identified on sight as a tourist or a U.S. citizen. • Jewelry and Other Valuables: Be cautious with how you display valuables (does it look like you're flaunting wealth?). Leave your good jewelry at home, and keep money in a safe place like a money belt or hidden pouch under your clothes. • Becoming Aware of Your Surroundings: You should be aware of your surroundings, remembering to: 1. Pay attention to what people around you are saying 2. Find out which areas of the city are less safe than others 3. Know which hours of night are considered more dangerous 4. Stay and walk only in well-lit areas 5. Avoid being alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods 6. Know where to get help (police station, fire station, phones, stores, etc.) 7. Do not touch suspicious items like letters or packages mailed to you from someone you don't know 8. Know what is "normal" and "not normal" to see on a daily basis in the areas you frequent 9. Do not respond to explosions or gunfire by going to a window; seek cover away from windows and exterior walls • Political Rallies: Avoid political rallies, which can increase tensions and emotions or breed angry mobs for which a U.S. citizen may serve as a scapegoat. • Political Conversations: Try not to engage in conversations about contentious political issues with locals and avoid retaliating against hostile or bigoted remarks about Americans.

Attachment 2: Proxemic circle – Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Personal_Space.svg

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Attachment 3: Multi-Cultural meanings of Paralanguage Gestures

Source : "Body Language - Gestures." Oracle ThinkQuest Library. Oracle Education Foundation. Web. 21 Aug. 2010. .

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Activity: Personal Safety Quiz- The Suzy Lamplugh Trust

PERSONAL SAFETY MOT
Complete the following quiz and see how much you know about how to reduce the risks of becoming a victim of violence and aggression.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
Ques 1: Which of the following do you think is most likely to be a victim of a violent attack:
a) A female over 45
b) A female between 16 – 24
c) A male between 16 – 24
Ques 2: Which of the following do you think is most likely to attract a mugger? a) A ‘hoodie’ who has had a few drinks and is strolling down the street listening to their ipod.
b) Someone who has their bag slung across their shoulder and is looking at what’s going on around them.
c) Someone who is striding along with their hands swinging by their side and their phone and purse in their inside pocket
Ques 3: Only one of the following statements is correct. Which one?
a) Females are twice as likely to become a victim of violence as males
b) Males are twice as likely to become a victim of violence as females
c) Males are equally as likely to become a victim of violence as females
Ques 4: Which of the following statements is NOT true
a) 40 - 65 year olds are most at risk from violent crime
b) 23% of victims of violent crime were under 24.
c) Only 2% of victims of violent crime were over 65.
ON A NIGHT OUT
Ques 5: Before you go anywhere, you should think about how you are going to get there and back. Planning your journey is good because..?
a) You can think about any safe places to go if you felt threatened when walking eg. a friends house, or busy place such as a shop or garage.
b) You can book a licensed mini-cab to pick you up at the end of the night.
c) Both of the above
Ques 6: You are at a party and you start to feel nervous or uncomfortable about the situation or the people who are there. Should you? a) Get away from the situation immediately - even if you’re not sure that you’re in danger or that trouble is about to start.
b) Wait and see what happens – you could make the situation worse by over-reacting c) Ignore it; it’s probably just you being paranoid.
Ques 7: You are most likely to end up in a potentially dangerous situation or having unwanted sex due to…?
a) Having had your drink spiked with a drug such as rohypnol
b) Having had your drink spiked with extra alcohol
c) Having drunk too much yourself
Ques 8: You decide it’s time to go home but you’ve forgotten to book your cab in advance and have lost the number of your local licensed taxi company. Which of the following should you avoid doing..?
a) Going outside and taking the first cab you can find because it’s not safe on the streets at that time of night
b) Asking someone before leaving the club/party where the nearest minicab office is, and heading straight there.
c) Asking a member of staff/your host, if they have the number of a local licensed mini-cab company and calling to book a cab. Then waiting at the party until it arrives.
Ques 9: You’ve been out for the night, it’s late and you’re walking home alone having just got off the night bus/train. Should you?
a) Take any shortcuts, as the quicker you get home the better.
b) Take the quietest route, because the less people around to cause trouble, the safer you are.
c) Take the busiest route, because the more people around, the safer you are. Ques 10: True of False:
If you are walking home alone at night, it’s a good idea to use your mobile to chat to someone at home until you get there, so that you feel more comfortable and they know you are safe.
Ques 11: What should a personal alarm be used for?
a) To attract attention
b) To calm an attacker down
c) To shock an attacker, giving you time to get away.
Ques 12: If you’re being threatened or are in danger and need assistance quickly, the best thing to shout is?
a) Help!
b) Fire!
c) Call the Police!
TRANSPORT
Ques 13: The best place to wait for your bus / train / lift is?
a) In a well lit area, near other people.
b) In a darkened doorway, where no-one can see you and therefore bother you
c) In a quiet spot away from everyone else, as you are safer on your own.
Ques 14: On an empty bus you should try to sit..?
a) At the back, away from any trouble getting on the bus.
b) At the front, near the driver.
c) Near the exit.
Ques 15: When travelling on a train, you should…?
a) Look for any empty carriage to sit in. You’re safer on your own
b) Look for a busy carriage to sit in.
c) Avoid crowds but look for a carriage with just one other respectable looking person in it.
Ques 16: You are on a train and someone who makes you feel a bit uneasy sits next to you. Should you..?
a) Keep your head down and stay quiet so you don’t aggravate them
b) Move to another seat or carriage.
c) Take out your mobile and call a friend to chat to so you can ignore the person.
Ques 17: You are on a bus and someone gets on and starts to shout and make trouble. They single you out and shout at you to get off the bus with them or else. You should..?
a) Stay quiet and do what they tell you.
b) Sound the emergency alarm and make as much noise as possible to attract the driver’s attention.
c) Shout back at them.
KEEPING FIT
Ques 18: You take your dog for a walk in the park every day, sometimes early in the morning. To improve your safety you should…?
a) Stick to the same route every day whenever possible
b) Stick to the wooded areas where you won’t be seen
c) Stick to areas of the park where there are other dog walkers whenever possible. Ques 19: You are a keen jogger/walker/runner. You can improve your safety when you are out by..?
a) Not wearing headphones so that you stay alert to your surroundings
b) Walking/running/jogging in open areas where everyone can see you c) Varying the route and time of your jog/walk/run whenever possible
Ques 20: You love the gym and go several times a week. However in the winter, it is dark when you come out and it’s a long, badly-lit walk to the nearest bus stop. You should avoid..?
a) Leaving when lots of other people are leaving
b) Leaving last
c) Going to the gym if it’s dark when you come out
ON HOLIDAY
Ques 21: On holidays abroad, the safest form of transport is?
a) The local taxis
b) The local public transport
c) Don’t know
Ques 22: You are going on holiday to another country for the first time.
Which of the following is most likely to improve your safety whilst you are there?
a) Taking a course of self-defence classes so that you can handle yourself if there is any trouble
b) Packing a pepper spray which can be used against any attacker
c) Learning as much as you can about the culture and laws of the country you are going to visit.
Ques 23: True or False
When you are drinking on holiday, you can drink more without getting into trouble because you are drinking in the ‘European style’ throughout the day and therefore you are not binge drinking like you would be doing at home?
Ques 24: You are sharing a room at the hotel with someone and you only have one key. Which of the following arrangements should you
NOT agree to?
a) The person who comes home first should not lock the door so that the last person can get in and not be left locked out in the middle of the night. b) The person who comes home first should lock the door and the last person will just have to knock to wake them up when they come home.
c) You should both agree to come home at the same time
AT WORK
Ques 25: You have arranged an appointment to meet a new client at their offices. Before leaving your office you should..?:
a) Make sure you have all the details in your diary so that your colleagues can check where you are if they need to.
b) Let someone know where you are going, who you are meeting and when you should be finished and tell them you will call them when the meeting is finished
c) Leave an out of office reply on your computer saying when you will be back. Ques 26: You get into a situation with an irate customer/client who is starting to get aggressive. To stop the situation getting violent you should..? a) Stay calm; speak gently, slowly and clearly; whilst acknowledging the other person’s feelings
b) Enforce your authority by standing squarely in front of them and putting your hands on your hips.
c) Intimidate them by talking loudly and invading their personal space in order to make them back down.
Ques 27: You work unsociable hours and are often the only person in the office/building late at night. Which of the following advice should you ignore?
a) Check all external doors are locked when you are inside the building
b) Make sure you leave the building at the same time every night so that you don’t miss your bus and have to wait about on the street.
c) If a person e.g. a courier arrives unexpectedly, do not open the door to them. Dealing With Aggressive Behaviour
Ques 28. What should you avoid doing in a potentially aggressive situation? a) Staying more than two arms lengths from the other person
b) Putting your hand on someone to try and calm them down
c) Asking open questions i.e. questions that can’t be answered yes or no
Ques 29: When communicating with someone what % of the message do you think is communicated by the actual words you use, as opposed to your body language and tone of voice?
a) 7%
b) 38%
c) 55%
Ques 30: Understanding about personal space is important because?
a) If you stand to far away from someone they will think you are not being friendly b) If you stand to close to someone, they we will feel threatened and may get aggressive
c) If someone starts to get aggressive towards you, you can edge closer into their space, which will intimidate them and they will calm down.
ANSWERS
Question 1. a = 0; b = 0; c = 3
Statistics show that 16 – 24 year old males are the most at risk group in society. Question 2 a = 3; b = 0; c = 0
People who have been drinking make easy targets for thieves, as do those who are distracted from what’s going on around them by listening to music.
Also, if you are wearing hoods/earphones you won’t hear anyone approaching from behind.
Question 3 a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
Statistics show that males are twice as likely to suffer from violence and aggression than females
Question 4 a = 3; b = 0; c = 0
Statistics show that 16 – 24 year olds are most at risk of violent crime
Question 5 a = 1; b = 1; c = 3
The more you know about how to get where you are going to and about the route itself, the better. You will appear more confident and purposeful; and will have sufficient knowledge of places to head for, if you think you are in danger.
Question 6 a = 3; b = 0; 3 = 0
Your instincts are there to warn you. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and leave the situation immediately. You are not being paranoid; if you wait to see what develops you might leave it too late and not be able to leave. Question 7 a = 0; b = 0; c = 3
Far more people find themselves in dangerous or undesirable situations due to having drunk too much alcohol themselves, as opposed to somebody else adding extra alcohol to their drinks – although this can and does happen on occasions and you need watch out for it. If you suddenly feel drunker than you should considering the amount of alcohol you think you have drunk, make sure you find someone you trust to stay with you until you sober up/they can get you home safely. Statistics indicate that the use of so called date rape drugs, such as rohypnol, is very rare.
Ques 8 a= 3; b = 0; c = 0
Always be careful of taking mini-cabs outside clubs as you can’t be sure if they are licensed. It is safer to walk to the nearest mini-cab office to get a cab than it is to get into a stranger’s car just because they claim to be a mini-cab.
The safest thing to do, however, would be to ask for a number in the venue and call from there. That way you can wait in comfort and safety until the cab arrives. Ques 9: a = 0; b = 0; c = 3
Always try to stick to busy, well-lit roads, even if that means a bit longer walk.
Avoid short cuts through parks, waste grounds or along dark deserted streets whenever possible.
Ques 10
FALSE = 3 TRUE = 0
It is not a good idea to chat on the phone when walking home alone. Although it may be comforting, it does not make you safer - if you were attacked, then the person at the other end of the phone could do nothing to help you – and in fact, it can make you less safe. Chatting on your mobile will only distract you from your surroundings and make you less likely to see or hear danger approaching and therefore make you less able to avoid it.
Ques 11 a = 1; b = 0; c = 3
A good alarm should be loud enough to shock and disorientate an attacker giving you time to get away. Although an alarm can on occasions attract attention, that is not primarily what they should be for as most people are so accustomed to hearing car alarms going off that they tend to ignore the noise now. Also, there may be nobody around to hear it!
Ques 12 a = 0; b = 0 c = 3
When shouting for help, try to give specific instruction to anyone that will hear you, like ‘call the police’, people are more likely to respond to specific commands and to take it seriously.
Ques 13 a = 3; b = 0; c = 0
The old saying ‘safety in numbers’ is true. Always try to stand/travel/walk home where there are lots of other people as you are much more vulnerable when you are on your own.
Ques 14 a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
If the bus is empty then sit near the driver, so that help is near by if you need it. Ques 15 a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
If you are on your own, try and get a seat in a busy carriage. An empty carriage may not stay empty when you get to the next station and you could end up in the carriage alone with a stranger. Never trust someone automatically just because they look ‘nice’ or ‘respectable’.
Ques 16 a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
Trust your instincts. If you are uncomfortable about someone, then move away from them and towards other people.
Ques 17 a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
You will be safer staying on the bus and attracting as much attention as possible. But avoid answering aggression with aggression as this will only make the situation worse!
Ques 18 a = 0; b = 0 c = 3
You should always try to stick to routes where there are plenty of other people and preferably in open spaces where you could easily spot someone approaching you. Even better, try and arrange to walk with another dog walker. When walking alone, avoid quiet, wooded or bushy areas and try to vary the times of your walks and the routes you take.
Ques 19
A = 3; b = 3; c = 3
All of these are good ideas. Avoiding wearing headphones and staying alert to your surroundings will greatly improve your safety. As will staying in open spaces where you can easily be seen, as it is very unlikely an attacker will attack someone in full view of passers by. And varying your time and route is a good idea because many muggers/attackers plan their attacks in advance based around a potential ‘victims’ routine. If you don’t have a routine, then you are much less likely to become their victim.
Ques 20 a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
Remember – safety in numbers! Whenever possible, leave when others are leaving and stay with the group as much as you can.
Don’t let fear of crime stop you from leading your life to the full, just because it’s dark. You should continue to go to the gym but just be aware of your personal safety and stay alert in order to minimise any risks.
Ques 21: a = 0; b = 0; c = 3
You can’t make generalisations about the safety of transport abroad, as it will vary depending on the destination. Always ask your holiday rep, your hotel or at the airport when you arrive, about the safest form of local transport and where to find it/how to book it.
Ques 22: a = 0; b = o; c = 3
The best thing you can do to improve your safety when in another country is to learn as much as you can about your destination, so that you don’t end up in particularly dangerous area or in an aggressive or dangerous situation through ignorance on your part, eg. certain hand signals which we use regularly can be seen as very offensive in some countries.
Taking a self-defence course is not a good idea because it can give you a false sense of security. Many people take more risks because they think they can look after themselves. However, when it comes to a sudden attack on the street, they just freeze. Or they are dressed in high heels and a tight skirt which stops them from performing any of the moves they were taught.
A pepper spray is inadvisable because it is illegal in many countries (including the UK). It would be better to carry a shriek alarm, which are legal anywhere, and which have the same function as a pepper spray ie. to momentarily stop the attacker giving you valuable time to get away.
Ques 23:
True = 0; False = 3
It doesn’t matter if you start in the morning and drink 20 units of alcohol throughout the day/evening or down the whole 20 units in the evening – it is the amount of alcohol that you consume that does the damage not when you drink it.
Ques 24: a = 3; b = 0; 3 = 0
Never arrange for the first person back to the room to leave the door unlocked. Either agree that they are happy to be woken up to let the other person in when they eventually get back – or arrange to always come back together. Ques 25: a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
Leaving details in your diary would not warn anyone in your office if there is a problem. If no-one knows when to expect you back, you could be in real trouble for quite some time before anyone realised.
Leaving an out of office reply on your email is great to warn someone their might be a problem if you are late back but there is not a lot they can do to help you if they don’t know where you are and who you are with.
Cover all the bases by giving someone else all the details and arrange to call them after the meeting to let them know you are ok and on your way back.
That way, it you get into trouble, people at the office will know fairly quickly and they will have the necessary information to be able to do something to help. Ques 26: a = 3; b = 0; c = 0
If you stay calm, speak slowly and clearly, and acknowledge the other persons feelings, you are most likely to defuse the situation.
On the other hand, if you stand squarely in front of someone with hands on hips, your body language is not being authoritarian it is being clearly aggressive and would be likely to escalate any aggressive situation. Talking loudly and invading a person’s personal space are also aggressive signals and would have the same negative effect.
Ques 27: a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
If you are the only person in the building, always check the external doors are locked and never open the doors to someone you are not expecting.
However, it is not a good idea to leave at the same time every day.
Remember, if you don’t have a particular routine, you are less likely to be targeted. Ques 28. a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
In a potentially aggressive or violent situation, avoid using physical contact with the other person as this is likely to make them even more aggressive.
You might think you are putting a sympathetic hand on their shoulder but they are most likely to see it as invading their space, causing them to become more uptight and defensive.
To prevent to situation from escalating, make sure you give them their space
– stand at least two arms lengths away from them – and keep them talking; getting them involved in a conversation is a useful tool for calming someone down. Ques 29: a = 3; b = 0; c = 0
You communicate in three ways: Body language (55% of communication), tone of voice (38% of communication) and words (only 7% of communication).
Ques 30: a = 0; b = 3; c = 0
People feel threatened if they are crowded. Keep back or you may come across as aggressive. It also means that you are out of their reach if they take a swing at you.
Scores
Now add up your points
If you score between 66 - 95
Congratulation! You know what you are doing and how to keep safe. Just make sure that you always put into practice what you know. A lot of people make the mistake of knowing all the safety precautions they should take but just not bothering to take them. You know what to do so you’ve got no excuses! If you score between 36 - 65
You’re reasonably safe out and about but you do need to pay a bit more attention and realise that taking simple precautions to keep yourself safe is not about restricting your freedom or living in fear – it’s just common sense!
If you score between 0 - 35
Oh dear! You really do need to learn a bit more about personal safety. The risks of becoming a victim of a violent attack are thankfully very small, but they are there, so it makes sense to take a few simple, common-sense precautions to reduce them even further. Read the quiz and the answers again and visit www.suzylamplugh.org for more safety advice.

Source: Suzy Lamplugh Trust, National Centre for Personal Safety, 218 Strand, London WC2R 1AT
http://www.suzylamplugh.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/personal_safety_mot_quiz.pdf