19.09.2023
Hour six of my client’s self-protection course moved us from social violence into asocial violence with a focus on predatory violence. We made the differentiation between the two types and also discussed potential hybrids.
Harassment, muggings, stalking, kidnapping, targeted assaults, acts of terrorism, arson, rape, molestation, murder and serial or spree killing come done without much argument in the predatory column of violent crime. The protagonist looks at their victim as a target and not a rival. Bullying by its persecutory nature is predatory but often can evolve from a social violence. Slander when used in a campaign is predatory but it can simply come from an argument with a rival. Mutilations or disfigurements, hate crimes, destruction of property and attacks on pets have a predatory dynamic but might be social violence by proxy. The motivation of the predator might be an act of revenge from a perceived sleight.
What distinguishes a true predator from an angry individual is that they cannot be de-escalated. There are plenty of soft skills that can be employed but understanding their viewpoint isn’t one of them.
We went through the different types of predators. Some are motivated by what resource they can attain (such as muggers), others enjoy the process of predation (typically sex crimes) whereas others are trying to make a statement with their crime (e.g. terrorists).
This led onto victim selection, predatory reconnaissance and their risk assessments. All of this useful to know in order to target harden. One needs to appear an undesirable target and to avoid risky environments where predation would be made easier.
We have covered Gavin De Becker’s PINs of deception in several other posts but it is a vital component of any anti-predator course. Then we discussed setting boundaries, which is another recurring subject on my site. I covered the circle of trust and then we moved onto setting boundaries with other people.
My client discussed a situation at work with a work colleague who was using physical manipulation tactics. We agreed upon a strategy of addressing the boundary violation in a light-hearted manner. This way the matter can be laughed off as work banter but, at the same time, the colleague will be informed that my client understands what is going on. Such a method works to my client’s strengths and also his personality. Should the behaviour be ignored or continued then my client is to talk the colleague in private with a more serious tone. Such a circumstance would be a good test for my client to face some conflict management fears and to test some assertion.