You can’t control what a criminal is going to do. There will always be people looking to steal from, hurt and attack others. Although you can hope for the best, my advice is to plan for the worst. While firearms training and self-defense classes are a great way to protect yourself, drawing a gun and physical conflict are the climaxes of an attack. There is so much more to be aware of before a situation escalates to violence.
NRA's award-winning Refuse to Be a Victim (RTBAV) starts at square one and gives students the knowledge, preparedness and awareness to recognize and avoid threats before a physical confrontation. The first line of defense is to make yourself a difficult target. NRA developed the RTBAV program in 1993 to do exactly that.
While crime prevention doesn’t sound as fun as a Jiu-Jitsu class or time on the range, it could save your life. I was lucky enough to attend a RTBAV crash course during the 2021 NRA Whittington Center Women's Wilderness Escape, where instructors covered situational awareness, travel safety, home preparedness and personal protection devices. However, the full-length seminars also include important topics like tech protection, automobile security and the psychology of criminals.
Although RTBAV was originally intended for women only, it became co-ed in 1997 as it was acknowledged that personal protection is for everyone. The seminar has also expanded to include a collegiate version. Kids are on their own for the first time in an unfamiliar and sometimes dangerous place. College town houses can also be old and easy to break into, while apartment complexes and dorms don’t always implement the best security.
The information covered in Refuse to Be a Victim teach students to be alert and aware in order to lessen the possibilities of being attacked. Participants will also learn to trust their instincts and act on early warning signs. How to prevent an attack is just as important as defending yourself during an altercation when it comes to personal safety.
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