An
axiom for survival and escape is that the Response must be equal to the Threat
or if you like a shorter version,
Response
must = Threat
This
logic underlies common law and statutes as to how much force you may use to
defend yourself, is the standard applied to develop Use of Force models for law
enforcement, and the thinking that guides military Rules of Engagement.
None of us can predict or
know our attacker’s intentions which may include murder and rape.
We can only react to the
physical and non-physical cues or behaviors he exhibits.Generally a person pulling out a
knife has different intentions than someone shaking their fist at you, but there
is no way to really know.The most innocent appearing
behaviors may mask deadly intent as in the rape and murder spree of Ted Bundy.You might treat the person
with the drawn knife more gently if you knew them (such as a relative) or they
were clearly emotionally disturbed, but if you let your relationship or kindness
override the rule that keeps you safe i.e.Response Must = Threat,
you are taking a terrible risk with your own safety.Even if you are dealing with
Drunken Uncle Lou at the family reunion, the level of response has to match his
intensity.He is just the family disgrace
until he pulls a knife and lunges at you, now he has become a threat to your
life to be dealt with.If you are distant from the
threat, there are some choices. If he is right there, you have to stop him,
relative or not.Conversely, without becoming
paranoid, you need to keep a polite skepticism about overly friendly or
seemingly needy people who want to invade or share your personal space.If you feel threatened,
listen to your own concerns.Make an exit and leave before any
trouble arises.We advise once an attack has
started using enough force to be sure you can make a safe escape.You will hear more about all of
this.Now let’s look at threats and
responses.
Notice: What we will and won't cover.
We
devised a classification of threat and response situations we call Piles.
The
bulk of this manual assumes that we are dealing mostly with matters in Pile 1,
and sometimes with assaults from Pile 3.
We do not address Control Tactics, Pile 2 or
Assassination methods, Pile 4.Obviously if you are aware enough,
have enough space between you and the threat, and avoid or defuse a situation,
then the pile is not important.
Once you have to use force, however, it does
matter which pile you are dealing with.You shouldn’t use highly violent
means to deal with merely annoying behavior nor should you use gentle reasoning
to deal with a murderous ambush.
Remember this is just for guidance.When it is real, choose the response that is needed
to survive and escape.
None of the techniques shown here are
used without risk of injury or even death to another person. You will be
subject to scrutiny if your use causes harm to some one else. You may be
subject to criminal prosecution or civil suits.
You
will have to establish that you were in "jeopardy". The question
the DA will ask is "Was the person you hurt acting in a manner consistent
with a known threat"? The older more commonly used term for jeopardy is
intent.
We do not and cannot take responsibility for your
actions. You need to be aware of the laws in your jurisdiction and act
accordingly.
