One of the worst things you can do to sabotage your self defense is comply with the would-be perpetrators desires.

Imagine, It’s dark, he presses a gun up against your back and says “keep walking and get in that car over there.”

What do you do?

It may be one of the scariest moments of your life, but if attacked and the assailant demands you get in a car, vehicle, building or enclosure, resist to the best of your ability (and judgment).

Depending on which scenario you are facing, some research suggests your chances of defending yourself and surviving drops significantly if the perpetrator succeeds in getting you to a private location.

A big caveat of the above is context. Context is important because, in some scenarios, complying made be the better decision. You have to make the best decisions at the time based on the facts and your intuition.

But, as a rule of thumb:

• Avoid privacy. Don’t get in their car or go into another protected enclosure. Your safety depends partially on remaining in an “exposed” location vulnerable to being “found out.”

The more remote you allow yourself to be taken, the more severe the possible consequences.

Online:

• Don’t enter unsavory chat rooms.
• Do not respond to attempts to engage in inappropriate discussions.
• NEVER give out personal or contact information to a stranger online (or off).

Regardless of the situation, your self defense depends on you maintaining as much control as you can and resisting attempts to get you to more private surroundings.