Considerations for Self Defense

The following suggestions are based on the possibility of an unexpected assault by an individual or group heretofore unknown to the person(s) for whom the suggestions for consideration are being made. In any situations where the identity of the assailant(s) is known by the potential victim, that is a matter to be dealt with through attorneys and or law enforcement, hopefully, prior to any violence occurring.

As the author of this short set of suggestions, I would first like to state that, most fortunately, I have never been assaulted and certainly hope that to remain the case. However, as one’s age increases (I am now 82 years old) the possibility of appearing to a criminal to be an “easy victim” does, likely tend to increase.

Having held a Concealed Handgun License in Texas since same became available as well as a fifth level black belt in Karate, it is clear that Self Defense has, obviously, long been something under consideration by me. The following are some thoughts that I would like to present to the readers for consideration.

It is very important to give thought to what one might do if ever faced with the need to defend oneself from an assailant. It is certainly hopeful that the reader will never experience such an occurrence, but it is still very wise to give thought to “What should I do?” and consider some plans. A simple reason for such “planning ahead” is that in a large number of cases, stress tends to reduce one’s thinking ability at least temporarily, and any sort of assault is very likely to be very stressful. Therefore, having given thought to the possibility and actually made plans regarding what one might do under such an occurrence might well be a major factor in saving one’s life.

Of course the NUMBER ONE goal in planning one’s self-defense should always be AVOIDANCE and a crucial factor in avoiding problems is AWARENESS. If something or someone just “doesn’t look right”, don’t go there if at all possible, or if you must “go there,” get help, ideally in the form of law enforcement.

It is probably quite likely that most criminals seeking to assault someone for whatever reason (such as theft, for example) will be looking for an “easy mark” (such as someone whose focus is elsewhere). Walking through certain areas while focused on something other than one’s surroundings (such as looking at one’s cell phone) can be a factor in whether or not one might be considered a “good target” for assault.

In the (hopefully most unlikely) event that someone should accost you with a weapon, especially a firearm, having given considerable thought as what your actions should be may well save your life. Carrying your own firearm (where legal to do so) is definitely something to consider and certainly recommended by this author. “Having a firearm and not needing one.” is certainly preferable to “Needing a firearm and not having one.”

Remember the likelihood that, in the vast majority of cases, the “bad guy” will “get to draw his weapon first”. Although that statement may sound a bit odd, realize the fact that if you present a deadly weapon first in a threatening manner, that you could become the “bad guy,” at least from a legal standpoint.

If an assailant is advancing on you and demonstrating an obvious intent to harm you or even threaten you with physical harm that is another story.

Most “concealed carry” laws provide a potential victim with the legal right to protect themselves or others from the potential of serious bodily harm. Remember that you can be killed just as dead by being struck in the head with any sort of serious club as you can by being shot there.

If it should occur that some individual, or group of individuals, are advancing in a way that provides a clear example that they present a serious threat, the drawing and presentation of a firearm would be, in most cases, allowable under most laws. That does not mean that the use (firing) of said firearm should automatically occur unless the assailant(s) are clearly posing a very dangerous or even potentially deadly threat and are continuing to do so. If said assault can be stopped and prevented by the presentation of a firearm, that would be the best possible outcome in such a situation.

If an assailant is obviously armed with and presenting a firearm, “all bets are off” and using a firearm yourself becomes quite justifiable. In such an occurrence, shooting to wound is probably not the best action to take. In such a case, shooting repeatedly, and shooting to kill, becomes acceptable and unfortunately, necessary. If the victim only wounds an assailant and the victim still gets shot, that is hardly a desirable outcome. However, continuing to shoot once an assailant is down and clearly no longer a threat can, and probably should, present a legal problem so, if the fight is definitely over, it is probably time to stop shooting.

Do stay safe out there!