Habitual Acts Of Violence
Contributor: R. J. Nash
Website: http://www.pskc-shotokan.co.uk/
eMail: tkka-jnash@cwcom.net

Condition: Black

Assault In Progress

by

R. J. Nash

The following is information gleaned from the manuscript for the book :

Title: "Condition: Black" Sub title: assault in progress

Title copyright of R. J. Nash.

Data has been gathered from a Home Office study group formed to investigate violence within modern society. This study lists what are now becoming known as "Habitual acts of violence". A "Habitual Act Of Violence" (HAOV) is one that is repeatedly seen to be used in a given situation. The data was gathered mainly from within the United Kingdom and Europe.

All data has been gathered through a study of violence within society and from interviews with both victims and offenders. Although statistics have been compiled, they are not yet for general release. The following is general advice to women for their safety and well-being.

Threat awareness and avoidance.

1.      Just because a person is a relative, friend or colleague does not make them a ‘safe’ person in respect of potential sexual assault. Most sexual assaults are committed by persons who have intimate knowledge of the victim. Always be aware of the possibility of assault.

2. The most common place of assault is in the home. Close all doors and windows when you are home alone. If it is necessary to have a window open, have a lock fitted that will allow partial opening with security. Always use security chain on the door when answering callers. Ensure that the chain is sufficient to delay forced entry for at least ten seconds. No matter how well you know a male, try not to invite them in when you are alone. Designate one room as a place of safety. This room should have only one entrance and be equipped with a stout door, an internal bolt, a panic alarm, a telephone and a weapon of choice. Ensure you are completely familiar with the weapon and can confidently use it. There are many utility weapons around the house, familiarise yourself with these and be prepared to use them
3. When walking alone, be aware of your environment and the persons around you, avoid lonely deserted areas. Frequently change your route to and from home, especially in lightly populated areas. Remember, most attackers know you and your routine. Avoid walking close to alleyways or parked cars and vans/panel trucks. If you feel uneasy or troubled, there is probably good cause for you to feel this. Search for the reason. If you feel you are being followed, don’t try to establish the fact, just go quickly to a place of safety. Once there, don’t leave until you are sure it is safe. Always carry a personal alarm and a utility weapon. Attackers are looking for easy victims. Walk confidently with head high and show awareness.
4. If you are accosted (point A) remember that your attacker has chosen his assault place (point B). NEVER allow yourself to be taken from point A to point B. Your best chance of escape is at point A by direct and immediate action. If you think that by going along without resistance you will not be hurt, you are wrong. Even if you are not physically beaten, you will suffer severe emotional trauma. Research shows that if you resist and are successful, you will suffer virtually no long-term trauma. If you have resisted but the assault is still successful, you will come to terms with it quicker than those who do not resist.
5. Never think that you can appeal for mercy or to your attackers sympathetic nature. If he had sympathy or mercy, he would not be attacking you. Therefore when defending yourself, Show No Mercy.

Habitual Acts of Violence: Part One

Male on Male, Close Quarters.

These are listed in frequency order.

1. One person pushes, hands to chest, which is normally followed by the pushee striking first, to the head.

2. A swinging punch to the head.

3. A front clothing grab, one handed, followed by punch to the head.

4. A front clothing grab, two hands, followed by a head butt.

5. A front clothing grab, two hands, followed by a knee to the groin.

6. A bottle, glass, or ashtray to the head.

7. A lashing kick to groin/lower legs.

8.A broken bottle/glass jabbed to face.

9. A slash with knife, most commonly a 3 to 4"lockblade knife or kitchen utility knife. (Apart from muggings, sexual assaults and gang violence, the hunting/combat type knife is seldom used)

10.A grappling style head lock.

Only one occasion of a well known boxer, caught on night club cctv, opening the conflict with a hook punch to the body.

An interesting point was highlighted. Most fights, after the initial encounter, quickly degenerated into scrappy scuffling with head and waist grabbing and ended on the floor. Which brings to mind that most Shotokaners lack groundwork skills. Anyone brave enough to redress this imbalance on the list?

Habitual Acts of Violence: Part Two

Offences against the person, male on female

These are listed in frequency order.

This data was gathered from interviews with victims and offenders and from statements. Data only covers robbery/sexual methodology and changes relative to first contact with victim ie., venue/ night/day etc.

Domestic violence is not covered as this is a specific subject of its' own.

1. The victim was approached from the rear/side/front, a threat was made with a weapon, and then the weapon was hidden.

Then the victim's right upper arm was held by the attacker's left hand and the victim was led away.

2. A silent or rushing approach was made from the victim's rear, and then a rear neck/head lock applied and the victim dragged away.

3. The same approach as in #2, with a rear waist grab. The victim was carried/dragged away, normally into bushes/alley etc.

4. The victim was pinned to a wall with a throat grab with the attacker's left hand. A weapon-shown threat was made, and then the weapon hidden, and the victim led away.

5. The victim was approached from rear/ front/side. The attacker grabbed the victim's hair with his left hand, and then she was dragged away.

The Most Common Wrist Grips, Male On Female.

1. The attacker's left hand, thumb uppermost, gripping the victim's raised right wrist. The attacker threatens/ gesticulates with his right hand.

2. With the victim's right arm down, the attacker grips the victim's right upper arm with his left hand and her right wrist with his right hand.

3. The victim raises both arms, with both of her wrists gripped. The attacker's hands are vertical with the attacker's thumbs uppermost.

4. With the victim's arms down, the attacker grabs both upper arms.

5. With the victim's right arm down, the attacker's left hand grabs just below the right elbow, and his right hand grabs her wrist.

A fact worth mentioning at this point is that research shows that women who violently resist ,whether the attack is successful or not, cope with the aftershock and trauma (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) better than those who go quietly and hope they won't be hurt. Very few who do resist get badly battered or cut.

Research/profiling seems to indicate that if an attacker is likely to batter or stab, it will happen whether resistance is given or not.

Conclusion

Probably the most important advice a self defence instructor can give is : Be aware of the possibility of violence at any time, never think "it can’t happen to me".