Predators monitor their victims before they strike. Knowing that can be disconcerting, but if you can recognize the behavior when it occurs, you have a warning that can save you from harm or even your life.

It is well known that many burglars ‘case’ or check out the property they are going to rob before setting off to do the job. They are generally looking for a location that presents an easy opportunity – one where they can easily enter and leave without being observed and one that presents some loot worth taking.

So they will look for a location where their movements are obscured by shrubbery or other objects, monitor foot traffic, etc.

For that reason, simple actions, such as installing motion detector lights and locking your doors, boosts your home security. You just made it tougher for the thief to break in without getting caught. Chances are good there is another, easier target nearby.

But the same process occurs when a street criminal such as a rapist or a mugger stalks a likely victim. They, too, are looking for an easy opportunity. So they will ‘test’ their prospective victim gauge her responses to see if her responses are likely to make it more difficult for them to be able to execute their crime quickly, easily, with little likelihood of getting caught.

It is unfortunate, but women are often perceived as easy prey. We are generally less physically strong than men and we are socialized to be ‘nice.’ It is also perceived that a woman picked at random on the street is less likely to be able to defend herself effectively than a random male.

Typical predator behavior includes placing himself in proximity with his intended victim for far longer than usual social norms. Some other types of predator behavior?

Making a several passes by the ‘prey’ to get a sense of how they will react. Looking around for witnesses. Moving with you (you turn the corner and he’s back again).

Noticing predator behavior buys you time to persuade him that you are an unattractive target by expressing a confident ‘don’t mess with me’ body language, putting physical distance or barrier between you, surrounding yourself with people, or even yelling and screaming, if necessary.

Often, you can avert a crime at this early stage, before any physical contact is made, by letting the predator know through your actions and attitude that you are not willing to be his victim. Just as securing your property tells the would-be burglar that it is not for the taking.

By: Liza Cooper

About the Author:
The easiest and most effective self defense strategy is prevention. Would you like to learn other easy-to-use and effective women’s self defense strategies? Visit http://www.selfdefenseforwomennow.com for my free report What Your Attackers Don’t Want You to Know



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