12. How to React when Attacked

Think about what you will do if you were attacked at different places on the farm and in and around the house. This will help you to think faster and more clearly when an attack occurs. Have the members of your household practice their reaction in various scenarios.

12.1 Think - do not panic. Your mind is your first line of defence.

12.2 Evaluate the situation: Is someone nearby? Can you escape?

12.3 Do not be verbally abusive towards your attacker(s). Research indicates that verbal abusiveness tends to make the attacker(s) more aggressive even when they get what they want (eg. weapons or money). The attacker(s) will hurt a victim who is verbally abusive during the incident.

12.4 If the attackers ask for the keys to the safe, hand them over without resistance. Research indicates that the attacker will use force to obtain the keys, and may even kill or main the victim out of frustration.

12.5 If possible, let the attackers know about the mobilization effort of the community and the SANDF and/or SAPS. For example, have them listen to the citizen band radio or show them cellphone SMSs or voice mail messages. Research indicates that attackers are normally very scared to be apprehended, especially by the community. If the attackers doubt that escape will be possible, they usually flee before carrying out the whole attack.

12.6 Security is very important to the attacker. Therefore, if possible, without provoking the attackers, let them know they are known and can be traced afterwards. This normally increases the attackers’ fear of being apprehended and they might flee before completing the attack.

12.7 Do not resist your attacker unless the use of force AT THAT MOMENT could lead to your escape.

12.8 If your instincts tell you to resist, do not hold back. You MUST hurt your attacker. Press your thumbs into his eyes. A kick in the groin is also effective. It is vital that you immobilize your attacker until help arrives or you can get away.

12.9 If resistance does not work, try to notice things such as the attacker’s age, height, hair colour, scars, tattoos, a limp, clothing, speech accents and speech patterns.

12.10 Try to leave your fingerprints wherever you can. Also try to leave small personal items behind such as an earring, a lipstick, a handkerchief or a cuff link - anything that can be used as proof that you were present at the scene.

12.11 Numerous victims have warded off an attack by merely talking their way out of the situation.