Published by SASSOM MMA on September 19, 2025

We all deserve to feel safe in our daily lives, whether we’re walking to our car after work, jogging in the neighbourhood, or simply going about our routine activities. While we can’t control everything that happens around us, we can significantly improve our safety through awareness, preparation, and smart decision-making.

Today, I want to share practical strategies that can help you stay safe and confident in any situation. These aren’t about living in fear – they’re about being prepared and aware so you can enjoy your life with greater peace of mind. Not becoming a victim is what Assault Prevention is all about.

The Foundation: Situational Awareness

Think of situational awareness as your personal early warning system. It’s about being present and alert to what’s happening around you, rather than moving through the world on autopilot.

While individuals should be free to move, dress, and act within reasonable bounds, the world does not always permit it. Some people may take advantage of others, and incidents of violence can occur, particularly toward those who are more vulnerable.

The simplest rule to avoid danger is this: know where trouble is, and be somewhere else. This insight often requires overcoming personal barriers such as ego or rigid thinking, which I have learned over time.

Stay Present and Alert

We’ve all been there – walking down the street while scrolling through our phones, completely absorbed in our thoughts, or lost in our music. While these activities aren’t inherently dangerous, they can make us vulnerable targets, by distracting us from listening to out inner voice, some people call it their Spidey Sense or their Gut feeling.

Through my days as a Correctional Officer, Bouncer, or just being out with friends and family, my inner voice has saved me many times. When I was a teenager it may have gotten me into some trouble as well, but that is another story/stories.

Simple awareness practices:

• Keep your head up and stay focused
• Make brief, confident eye contact with people around you
• Scan your environment regularly – what’s ahead, behind, and to your sides?
• Trust your gut feelings; they’re often picking up on subtle cues you might not consciously notice

Know Your Environment

Your surroundings play a huge role in your safety. Being strategic about where and when you go places can dramatically reduce your risk.

Choose Your Routes Wisely

• After dark stay in well-lit areas
• Walk with confidence and purpose
• Travel with others you trust when you can
• Stick to well-populated areas when possible
• You can use your phone or smart watch as a personal alarm
• Vary your routine occasionally – predictability can work against you
• Familiarise yourself with the locations of police stations, fire departments, and 24-hour businesses

Try to always park under lights and as close to building entrances as possible. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

Recognising the Red Flags

Learning to spot potential threats early is one of your best defences. While most people you encounter are harmless, being able to identify concerning behaviour can help you take action before a situation escalates.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• The Follower:
  • Someone who appears in multiple locations or seems to be matching your pace and direction.
• The Approacher:
  • People who get too close to your personal space or try to engage you despite your clear disinterest in them.
• The Questioner:
  • Strangers or people you don’t know very well who ask detailed questions about your routine, where you live, or where you’re going.

Body Language Cues

• Aggressive posturing, clenched fists, or agitated behaviour
• Remember, trusting your instincts doesn’t make you paranoid – it makes you smart.

Building Your Safety Toolkit

Prevention is always better than reaction. Here are practical strategies you can implement starting today.

• At home and work:
  • Always lock doors and windows, even if you’re just stepping out briefly
  • Don’t advertise your schedule or valuable possessions on social media
  • Keep emergency contact information easily accessible
• On the go:
  • Let trusted friends or family know your plans, especially for evening activities
  • Keep your car doors locked and windows mostly closed
  • Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, electronics, or large amounts of cash
• Digital Safety:
  • Don’t share real-time location information on social platforms
  • Be cautious about ride-sharing pickup locations – meet drivers at safe, well-lit spots
  • Avoid posting photos of expensive purchases or vacation plans until after you return

In our connected world, digital safety and physical safety often overlap

When Things Go Wrong: Response Strategies

Despite our best prevention efforts, sometimes we find ourselves in uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations. Knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

If You Sense Danger

• Immediate actions:
  • Trust your instincts – if something feels off, act on it
  • Move toward populated, well-lit areas
  • Enter a business or public building if possible
  • Don’t be afraid to make noise or ask for help
  • Call 000 if you feel or are threatened
• De-escalation Techniques
  • Remain calm and avoid aggressive postures
  • Give clear, firm verbal boundaries: “Stop” or “Leave me alone”
  • Look for escape routes and what you can use or put between yourself and an attacker
  • Comply with demands for property – your safety is more valuable

Self-Defence Considerations

• If Physical Confrontation is Unavoidable:
  • Act with confidence
  • Target vulnerable areas (eyes, nose, groin)
  • Make as much noise as possible
  • Fight back only if escape isn’t possible
  • Run to safety as soon as you create an opportunity

Building Long-term Safety Habits

• Learn Martial Arts that teach Striking, Wrestling, Ground Fighting skills
• Practice situational awareness until it becomes natural
• Develop a safety network of trusted contacts
• Regularly review and update your safety strategies

Remember: The goal is always to avoid confrontation when possible. Your safety is paramount – no possession is worth risking your wellbeing.

Learning Self Defence

At SASSOM MMA we teach Martial Arts that work for sport and for self-defence. Yes you can do a short Self-Defence course, it is better than nothing, but to really protect yourself, you need to regularly practice the physical skills so you become confident in your asbility, and so self defence skills become second nature just like walking or driving.

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